Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Eric Gordon, F/C Christian Wood, 2022 First-Round Pick (3rd Pick – HOU), 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2027 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
From the Houston Rockets’ perspective, this deal comes down to a simple premise: they’d be happy to select a player who reached Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s level with the third overall pick.
That’s an easily justified position. As much potential as all of Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jaden Ivey have demonstrated, Gilgeous-Alexander is a proven NBA star. The most likely outcome doesn’t find anyone from the 2022 draft becoming as impactful as he already is.
It begs a question: why would the Oklahoma City Thunder look to trade him in the first place?
Well, this team’s rebuilding strategy is all about the draft. After this year’s, they’ll be adding one of those previously mentioned players to their core. Losing in 2022-23 may prove difficult for a team that’s already added so much premium talent. On the other hand, adding two rookies at the expense of SGA this summer ought to set them up for another premium selection in the 2023 draft.
LATEST NBA DRAFT NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Pistons-Rockets Trade Sends Jerami Grant To Houston
If the Thunder really are ready to move Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s not hard to imagine what they’ll want in return. Draft picks. If this deal doesn’t offer enough of them, there could be another arrangement to be made here.
