Toronto Raptors Receive: G Josh Giddey, F Aleksej Pokusevski, C Derrick Favors, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAC)

Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Pascal Siakam

While Scottie Barnes was authoring his Rookie of the Year season, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey was busy giving him a run for his money. In fact, he won every Western Conference Rookie of the Month award from November to February.

Efficiency was an issue for Giddey. Production wasn’t. His averages of 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game were among the best in a very talented draft class. If he can improve his three-point shooting and limit his turnovers, he’ll make multiple All-Star games in his career.

So, why would the Thunder give him up? Well, his fit with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is questionable. They’re both primary ball-handlers who don’t necessarily operate well off the rock.

If the Thunder did opt to make a push for Siakam, they’d be switching gears into win-now mode. They’d have to opt to stick with the more polished Gilgeous-Alexander in that event.

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

Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors would be happy to add both Giddey and Pokusevski. Each young man fits the archetype of oversized ball-handler the Raptors seem to covet.

They’d have a clear direction for the future. This trade hurts them in the short term but could lead them to become a force to be reckoned with in time.

On the other hand, maybe they want to get their hands on some of that sweet Thunder draft capital.