Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Daniel Theis, 2023 First-Round Pick (IND), 2024 First-Round Pick (IND), 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Some say that comparison is the thief of joy. Fair enough. On the other hand, precedent is the basis of law in Western society.
Often, it’s the basis of NBA trades too. Transactions aren’t made in a vacuum. Teams look at how other deals have transpired recently before making their own offers. With that in mind, let’s compare this trade to another big one that occurred this summer.
The Utah Jazz received Lauri Markannen, Colin Sexton, three first-round picks, and two swaps from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. There are two relevant questions here: who has more trade value between Mitchell and Gilgeous-Alexander, and by how much?
For our money, their value is quite comparable, if not roughly equal. Mitchell has a more proven track record of production, but Gilgeous-Alexander’s resume is impressive in its own right, and he’s younger.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder & Indiana Pacers Updates
As for the packages, the Jazz received fewer unprotected first-round picks, but they got an extra swap and two quality young players.
Something tells us the Thunder don’t want quality young players if they’re trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
