Will Thunder’s injury losses force Sam Presti into a trade?

The Thunder have spent years collecting draft picks for a moment when they might need them. Losing two starters in one night would seem to qualify.

That doesn’t mean Sam Presti needs to make a trade by breakfast. But with Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace facing lengthy absences, Oklahoma City has considerably more to think about than its unbeaten start.

Williams needs surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula. Wallace needs surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both are expected to miss several months.

The Thunder still have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and enough talent to win plenty of games. Replacing the perimeter defense is the tougher assignment, especially after trading Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe over the summer.

Alex Caruso can handle a difficult matchup. Asking him to handle all of them probably isn’t the plan.

As ESPN’s Bobby Marks outlined, Oklahoma City has seven tradable first-round picks, 21 second-rounders and several sizable trade exceptions. A potential disabled player exception could provide another avenue, though approval isn’t guaranteed and using it could push the Thunder above the second apron.

So there are tools available. Finding the right player at the right price is another matter.

ESPN’s Zach Kram identified Herb Jones, Justin Champagnie, Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn among possible fits. Those are suggestions, not reports of negotiations. But they illustrate the sort of move that could help without requiring Oklahoma City to dismantle its core.

The Thunder don’t need someone to become Williams. That’s asking a lot. They need enough scoring, size and defense to keep his absence from becoming everyone else’s problem.

Presti has given himself options. This might be the season he needs to use a few more of them.