The Oklahoma City Thunder added what they are hoping is another foundational piece in the 2022 NBA Draft when they selected Chet Holmgren out of Gonzaga with the second overall pick. When combined with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, the Thunder could have an excellent young core to build the rest of their roster around.
Sooner or later, Oklahoma City is going to have to start trying to win some games. The last few seasons have focused on adding as many assets as possible, but some of those assets are going to have to be turned into players that can help them succeed on the court.
The Thunder are in a position to swing some big trades should the opportunity arise. No one has the cache of draft capital that they possess as they can be buyers in virtually every situation with the number of picks they can include in a trade.
Sam Presti isn’t going to make a reckless move, as they are still rebuilding and developing the roster. But, if a high-upside young player in need of a change of scenery does hit the trade block, the Thunder could be interested.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Golden State Warriors & OKC Thunder Updates
One player that could fit that bill is James Wiseman of the Golden State Warriors. Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft but hasn’t played in a game since April 10th, 2021 as he recovers from surgery on his meniscus.
While Golden State has no interest in trading any of their young guys right now, that could change during the season if they fail to step up in larger roles. What could a deal between the Thunder and Warriors look like? Let’s take a look at this hypothetical deal that lands Wiseman in Oklahoma City.
