Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal 

This will not be an easy decision for the Thunder to make. Gilgeous-Alexander is, by far, their best player. Of course, that’s why they’re making the trade in the first place. 

In essence, the Thunder are hinging their logic on two gambles here. Firstly, they’re gambling that either Victor Wembenyama or Scoot Henderson has a higher ceiling than Gilgeous-Alexander. Of course, nothing can assure them of a top-2 lottery pick: that’s what makes this a gamble. 

That leads us to the second gamble: the Thunder are betting that, in Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence, they’ll be among the very worst teams in the NBA. That feels overwhelmingly likely. Of course, some will counter that the Thunder could simply sit Gilgeous-Alexander if they’re winning too frequently. 

Sure. On the other hand, murmurs of SGA’s impatience with the Thunder’s long-term strategy have already surfaced. If they turn into shouts, the Thunder will have a distressed asset on their hands.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder & Orlando Magic Updates

With this deal, they opt to land four first-round picks and two intriguing young players in exchange for the young star before they’re unable to. 

Is that a cost the Magic should really be paying right now?