Hmm, they don't really need to trade him. They still need a good backup center behind Kanter. Preferably a more defensively minded center which is exactly what Steven Adams offers them.
Adams is still on rookie scale contract for another two years. I expect they keep him at least another 12 months and monitor how both Adams + Kanter develop before deciding whether they are willing to pay (or trade) Adams.
Do they need to trade him? No. But he's not vital to their success either. Certainly not untouchable. They have Ibaka, who's one of the best shot-blockers in the league and McGary who's more limited than Adams defensively, but he's certainly no where near as bad as Kanter or KO and has a more polished offensive game. He's getable, just for the right price.
Honestly, I think we have a chance of nabbing him even if Kanter signs elsewhere. It became clear in OKC this year that for one, having an offensively talented big really helps their offense and two, playing ball dominant guards, like Waiters, next to Westbrook and KD just isn't going to work. Maybe Augustin off the bench can work, but not Waiters. Far too reliant on volume scoring and not a good enough creator to be a sixth man.
But y'know who would fit perfectly? Our own Avery Bradley, that's who. I almost hope we trade him there just to shut everyone up who says he isn't a starter on a good team. Regardless of whether or not they re-sign Kanter, I think we can use AB (who the Thunder have always been rumored to really like) as part of a package to bring Adams to us.
So let's say they can't resign Kanter. The Thunder have KD returning next year so they'll obviously be in contention, but they're pick this year is #14, two spots ahead of us. So without Kanter, they need some front-court offense. Well we have that too. A fair deal can be worked out for both sides. If it was me, I'd like something along the lines of...
BOS: Bradley, Olynyk OR Zeller, 16 and 33
OKC: Adams, Perry Jones III and #14.
That's a pretty fair deal for everyone involved. Ainge gave up two mid-late seconds to move up 3 spots in 2013, so that's why they get the Philly pick. (Presti likes early 2nds) Olynyk could be a great weapon and Kanter substitute for them with McGary getting more run and Ibaka back, plus with our two picks in a draft loaded with bigs they could find a guy who can fill Adams' current defensive role. It can't be understated how perfect Bradley is for that team, his tenacious defense, solid outside shot and ability to play off the ball are the perfect skills for a guy sharing the court with Westbrook and Durant, just adding him and moving Waiters would put them right back in the championship discussion.
For us, Adams fills our hole at the 5 perfectly, we would still have #14 and #28 to move up with AND we get a flyer on PJ3, who's always been a talented guy stuck behind KD and a bad coach, but has also shown real flashes of something greater when given ample playing time. May not be our long term answer at SF, but he's a young guy who's certainly worth a looksee. Guy is like 6'10 and can legit play the 3!
Even if Kanter stays, I think something like AB, the pick-swap, Young and a future 2nd (or the Dallas if need be instead of Young) could get us Adams and PJ3. He's not on the trading block, but for the right package I think we could grab him. Just if we do try a deal with them, DO NOT include Waiters.