# Thunder injury crisis sparks reacquisition rumors

> Oklahoma City Thunder's injury-plagued core fuels trade targets amid NBA rumors.
- Title: Thunder injury crisis sparks reacquisition rumors · CBS Sports
- Summary: Oklahoma City Thunder's injury-plagued core fuels trade targets amid NBA rumors. Thunder may reacquire injured players like Jalen Williams but face trade…
- Keywords: oklahoma city thunder, jalen williams, chris paul, russell westbrook, nba, trade targets, injuries, chelsea, oklahoma city, thunder injuries, sports, Thunder
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/thunder-injuries-trade-targets-nba-rumors
- Published: 2026-10-28T21:37:54+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: oklahoma city thunder, jalen williams, chris paul, russell westbrook, nba, trade targets, injuries, chelsea, oklahoma city, thunder injuries, sports
## Thunder's injury crisis
Last season, 11 players gave the Oklahoma City Thunder at least 900 minutes of service. Three now play for other teams: Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.
## Two players injured
Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace have already suffered injuries that may end their seasons. Alex Caruso has a sprained ankle.
## Chet Holmgren out
For Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks, Chet Holmgren is out with right knee patellar tendinitis and Ajay Mitchell is questionable with a right ankle sprain.
## Core rotation unavailable
Most of Oklahoma City's core rotation from a year ago, aside from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is not available right now.
## ESPN's cryptic rumor
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said: 'If you're going to, if they're going to acquire a player, it would not be a surprise if they acquire a player they've already had.'

> If you're going to, if they're going to acquire a player, it would not be a surprise if they acquire a player they've already had.
## Asset-rich team
The Thunder are very particular about their culture. Bringing in someone new is far riskier than reacquiring someone they already know.
## Reacquisition targets
The Thunder traded Dort, Joe and Wiggins last offseason. Given how things have played out, Oklahoma City may regret doing so.
## Players off limits
The NBA does not allow teams to reacquire players they have traded until the following season. That means Dort, Joe and Wiggins are off limits for now.
## Impractical targets
Domantas Sabonis costs $45.5 million. Kevin Durant is essential to Houston Rockets. Jerami Grant costs $34.8 million.
## Former All-Stars
Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Victor Oladipo and Al Horford are theoretically gettable.
## Westbrook's situation
Westbrook is 37, retired in August, and too high-maintenance for a role in Oklahoma City.
## Chris Paul's situation
Paul is 41, retired in February, and has shown no interest in returning to the NBA.
## Victor Oladipo
Oladipo has not played since 2022-23 and is only 34.
## Al Horford
Horford is 40, has salary below $6.9 million, and Golden State Warriors are not competitive.
## Two best fits
Ousmane Dieng and Ty Jerome are the likeliest trade targets for the Thunder.
## Key takeaway

Thunder may reacquire injured players like Jalen Williams but face trade constraints due to NBA rules.