Thunder Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)
December 31, 2008
Trade rumors are inevitable for a team out of the playoff race and building for the future. With the worst record in the NBA and one of the lowest payrolls, a number of Thunder players can expect to hear their names bandied about leading up to the trade deadline.
Among those who figure to be targeted: Joe Smith, Nick Collison, Chris Wilcox, Earl Watson, Desmond Mason and Damien Wilkins. Each is considered a solid veteran with a manageable contract.
"I just learned through the years to deal with the situation at hand," Smith said. "Whatever team you're on, you're still going to war with those guys. Whatever happens, happens."
Thunder players are trying not to pay attention to the speculation.