Chet Holmgren returned to the lineup for Oklahoma City on Friday night after missing nearly three months with a pelvic fracture, a potent addition for the NBA-best Thunder. The versatile, 7-foot-1 Holmgren got loud cheers when he was the first Thunder player announced ahead of Oklahoma City's matchup with the Toronto Raptors.

Maybe the timing of Chet Holmgren’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup, on the morning of NBA trade deadline day, was coincidental. Maybe it wasn’t.

Instead of the flashy deal fans have fantasized about ala Cam Johnson, the Thunder will get their version of a mid-season acquisition with Chet Holmgren's return. Nearly three months after he suffered a hip fracture, the 22-year-old is set to return against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

With Theis gone, the Thunder now have an open roster spot. They could use it to convert Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. The two-way rookie has played well despite toe surgery likely knocking him out for the rest of the regular season. No need to risk exposing him to restricted free agency.