Oklahoma City Thunder trade rumors: Thunder need to strengthen bench

After a hot start this season, many believed that the Oklahoma City Thunder were prepared to silence all their critics in the campaign.

Losing Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka were undoubtedly big blows for the team, but Russell Westbrook is still in town and he looked ready to prove everyone wrong about the team's elite status.

It appeared such in the early stages and looked strong behind the play of Westbrook. Unfortunately, they have lost three straight games as of late, and the needs of the team are appearing as early as today.

Talks say that the Thunder are okay with their starting lineup, however, it is in the bench where they need help.

Westbrook has been phenomenal so far this season as he averages 30.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game in the first nine matches of the campaign.

He has shown that he can carry the load for the team and despite a dip in his efficiency, Westbrook has been a great leader.

Victor Oladipo was awarded a new contract which shows the faith the team is placing on his shoulders. He may be struggling this year with his shots, but Oladipo is still an important player as he averages 16.2 points and 3.8 rebounds a night.

The team has a lot of capable bench members led by Enes Kanter, but it is still unsure whether the team can survive without a reliable player who can shoot from the outside.

Kanter is a good player, he can average double-doubles in a game but his defense is a little suspect. Steven Adams is also the chosen center before him and the team would likely benefit dealing Kanter for someone more reliable from the outside.

The team desperately needs a player who can stretch the floor, and if they want to reach the playoffs later on in the campaign, they must address the problem immediately.