New York Knicks Receive: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Derrick Rose, Evan Fournier, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK)

We saved the boldest for last.

If the Oklahoma City Thunder trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, there may be riots. Pundits will decry tanking from the darkest corner of the internet. Sam Presti will not give them a second thought.

In trading Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder would virtually guarantee themselves top 5 lottery odds in the 2023 draft. If the balls bounce their way and they’re in a position to add one of Victor Wembenyama or Scoot Henderson, it will instantly justify every decision they’d made to that point.

Of course, that’s only when considering their own pick. This deal gives them another first-rounder in the same draft, bringing the total up to five. If maximizing their odds of landing one of those potentially generational players is the goal, they come closer to achieving it with this deal.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Nets-Thunder Trade Lands Intriguing Big In OKC

As for the Knicks, they acquire a ready-made star in Gilgeous-Alexander. They’ll be banking on attracting stars through free agency and trades rather than the draft. Playing in New York affords them that luxury compared to Oklahoma City. They’ll aid the Thunder in their tank, while bringing their own to an abrupt halt.