Oklahoma City Thunder

Utah Jazz Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder receive: G Donovan Mitchell

The star-for-star swap is exceedingly rare in the modern NBA. When both stars are 25 or under, it’s even rarer.

Typically, teams are opting for a package centered around draft capital when moving their best player in the modern era. It makes sense. Acquiring a pile of first-round picks affords teams maximum flexibility in reshaping their roster.

Still, this arrangement could make sense for both sides. The Oklahoma City Thunder would be opting for Mitchell over Gilgeous-Alexander due to the latter’s questionable fit with Josh Giddey.

With Chet Holmgren looking like a potential star, the Thunder may start want to considering fit. Mitchell’s blend of on and off-ball abilities suit this roster better.

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On the other hand, the Jazz would be starting from scratch. With that in mind, a ball-dominant star like Gilgeous-Alexander may be a better fit. He’s the type of player you can build a system around. Meanwhile, Mitchell is the type of star that works in a system.

If the Thunder believe that they have one, this trade could be in everyone’s best interests.