Does this trade make sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have years before it will be ready to compete. They made the postseason last year on the back of an all-star campaign from Chris Paul. When he was dealt, they were expected to return to the bottom and that is exactly what happened. With contracts coming up, they could look to send some of their bigger names away.
That is what they will be doing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This was the second year where he missed time with an injury. He has built up plenty of value and that could be used in a trade.
Presti would be able to land more capital with four first-round draft picks for their point guard. At 22 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has not reached his prime yet and he is already proving to be a starting-caliber point guard.
If Oklahoma City does not view Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a long-term piece, they could look to move him right away. Otherwise, the Thunder may just feel as though the timeline doesn’t quite synch up with what they want to achieve with Gilgeous-Alexander already emerging as a dynamic talent.
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This will be one of their priorities in the offseason. Gilgeous-Alexander would be welcomed by many teams and that is why Oklahoma City can get a huge return on the investment.
