How This Deal Impacts Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are likely still a few seasons away from challenging for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. With that in mind, they will continue looking to add young, high-upside players to the roster should the opportunity arise.
Chet Holmgren has a ton of potential with his high-level and diverse skill set. However, there are serious concerns about whether or not he can hold up playing the center position against bigger, stronger players.
He could be a natural fit at the power forward spot as a help defender and rim protector, which would make James Wiseman a great pairing for him. Wiseman and Holmgren could be their long-term foundation in the frontcourt with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey holding down the backcourt.
Wiseman has a ton of potential, but he needs some time to develop his skills. He may not be afforded that chance with the Golden State Warriors, who are going to once again be challenging for a title.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Golden State Warriors & OKC Thunder Updates
If he falters, the Thunder should make a call to the Warriors. Wiseman would be a great fit for their long-term plan and they have expendable pieces. Kenrich Williams will be 28 later this season and Derrick Favors is 31.
They don’t fit the timeline in Oklahoma City and they have more than enough draft capital to send one pick to Golden State along with them. That is well worth the price to acquire a potential long-term building block in Wiseman.
