Dec 5, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Seemingly since the end of last season, the mindset for the OKC Thunder has been focusing on the future of the franchise.
While they may be surprising people thus far into the 2020-21 season, as they boast a record of 8-10 and are constantly finding themselves in and out of the playoff picture, ultimately they are still a rebuilding franchise.
Ahead of the majority of other franchises that find themselves embarking on a similar path, as they already have a franchise player in place in third-year guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who could be vying for his first All-Star appearance this year), Oklahoma City still is in search for that highly coveted second star that the majority of contending teams have.