Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shortly after the Donovan Mitchell trade became official, who the Knicks’ next trade target could be was a topic of discussion. One name that popped up was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and it does make some sense.
Oklahoma City is perpetually rebuilding, tearing things down to the barebones and tanking for draft position. At 24 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander should still fit the team’s rebuild, but it would not surprise anyone if he were to be made available at some point.
The 2022-23 season looked like one that the Thunder would try and be more competitive in. They signed Lu Dort to a huge contract extension this offseason and selected Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. But, Holmgren is going to miss the entire season with a Lisfranc injury.
That could lead to another year of tanking, which may result in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander asking for a trade. Oklahoma City made the playoffs in his first season with the franchise, but they haven’t tried the last two seasons to win and this could very well be a third.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Armed with a ton of draft capital and intriguing young players, the Knicks could be a match for a trade when it comes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While he hasn’t reached All-Star status like Mitchell has, the fit for SGA in the Knicks’ lineup would make more sense as he would provide a ton of size standing 6’6” with a 6’11” wingspan.
