Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 1 – ORL), 2023 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL), F Jonathan Isaac, G Markelle Fultz
Orlando Magic Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 2 – OKC)
We saved the biggest blockbuster for last. This trade wouldn’t just shake up the 2022 NBA Draft: it would rock the entire league to its core.
The Thunder do this deal because they see an end in sight to Gilgeous-Alexander’s tenure with the team. It may be that he’s run out of patience for tanking, or, they don’t like his fit with Josh Giddey and would prefer to prioritize the future. In either event, this team could find an incentive to move on from their best player.
The Magic do it because they’re desperate for a franchise player. While there are talented players at the top of the 2022 NBA Draft, none are assured to be as productive as Gilgeous-Alexander. The Magic also get the second pick to select a blue-chipper.
It may feel like the Magic get the better return here. Just keep the Thunder’s priorities in mind. With this deal, they control a large portion of Orlando’s draft into the future. At some point, they’ll have to stop tanking and build a real NBA team.
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With this trade, they simply decide that they haven’t come to that point yet.