Orlando Magic Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C Mo Bamba, G R.J. Hampton, CHI 2021 1st Round Pick (Pick #8)
Now, the Oklahoma City Thunder do not have any plans to move on from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander whatsoever, as mentioned earlier, but this is not that bad of a trade for them in terms of adding more future talent. Maybe they would want the Magic’s 5th overall pick instead, but getting Mo Bamba, R.J. Hampton and the 8th pick in this year’s draft is very fair value for a guy like SGA.
Bamba was drafted 6th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2018 and since then, he has not really carved out a role with this team. After trading away Nikola Vucevic, Mo Bamba saw his role increase slightly, but with him entering the final year of his contract, the Magic could look to leverage him now for value before he hits free agency.
Given his 7’10” wingspan and his ability to expand his range to the three-point line on offense, Mo Bamba is still a valuable, young center that could impact a handful of teams in this league.
The Thunder recently traded away Moses Brown and Al Horford, leaving them with no true center on their roster, so Bamba could immediately step in and possibly become their future center.
R.J. Hampton is another intriguing young talent that absolutely fits the mold the Thunder are looking for in young guards. He is explosive, athletic and can play with or without the ball in his hands, which is why he would be a solid replacement for SGA.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
Orlando has Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz at the guard position, but going after a pure talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander presents them with a ton of upside. Before getting injured this year, SGA was averaging 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He checks off all the boxes to be the next breakout combo-guard in this league, which is why the Magic can make a role for him on this roster.
The Thunder do not want to trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the moment and are looking to build with him for the future, but this trade definitely gives them a ton of young talents and future value to consider. With that said, does this trade truly make sense for the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder?
