As the trade deadline approaches, the Oklahoma City Thunder have no reason to be highly active on the market.
They are still at the top of the Western Conference, and their statement win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday showed just how well-poised they are to repeat as champions.
Yet there have been rumors that they [are combing the market](https://thunderousintentions.com/okc-thunder-lingering-rival-could-scare-them-out-of-an-isaiah-hartenstein-trade-denver-nuggets) for a depth option at center: an insurance policy against the ongoing injury problems of Isaiah Hartenstein.
If they decide to make a move, they have a crystal clear trade candidate. Ousmane Dieng will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and his lack of impact on the rotation means [he's as good as gone](https://thunderousintentions.com/okc-thunder-no-brainer-ousmane-dieng-trade-idea-too-good-not-to-pursue).
Could the Thunder use his contract to bring in the type of depth piece they're seeking? Although nothing is set in stone, Kevin Love of the Utah Jazz could be the perfect fit in this type of deal.
An Ousmane Dieng-Kevin Love swap could prove to be what the Thunder need
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Dieng has struggled to crack the rotation since his rookie season. In 2025-26, he's averaging just 3.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and one assist on a slim diet of 11.1 minutes per game. With the financial issues the Thunder will soon face, Dieng's departure is essentially guaranteed.
He's on his final season of his rookie contract, making $6.7 million.
Likewise, Oklahoma City's need on the trade market has become crystal clear. Hartenstein has been limited to just 26 games this season as he's dealt with a recurring calf strain. The Thunder desperately need his rebounding acumen, and adding a center as an insurance policy would be a wise move.
Love, meanwhile, is on an expiring contract with the Jazz. He's seen relatively little action in Utah's deep frontcourt rotation this season, appearing in just 27 games and averaging 6.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while knocking down 34.6% of his attempts from 3-point range.
He's still a highly effective rebounder, though, averaging 11.9 rebounds per 36 minutes on the court. He's making just over $4 million this season.
If Utah has any interest at all in taking a swing on a young forward to take the place of Taylor Hendricks in their frontcourt, they would be more than willing to move on from Love.
A simple Dieng-for-Love swap would work financially, and Oklahoma City could throw in a second-round pick to sweeten the pot.
Although it's a low-profile deal, it could be the one the Thunder need to provide their rotation with extra depth for another championship run.