Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal 

We’ll be honest – this is a bold move for the Thunder. In fact, some will say that it’s too bold. 

Perhaps it is. On the other hand, the Thunder have some cornerstones in place already. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander unequivocally hits that mark – he’s already produced at a star level. Otherwise, recent number two pick Chet Holmgren has the potential to be a superstar in this league as well. 

It’s unfortunate that Holmgren is going to miss the 2022-23 season with an injury. If the Thunder had more data on him, they could make this decision with more confidence. Still, if the Thunder are confident enough in him, they could view this rebuild as nearing completion. 

In that event, a win-now trade would be justifiable. Granted, the Thunder’s backcourt gets crowded following this deal – Josh Giddey may find himself squeezed out of it in time. That’s fine. The Thunder could simply make another win-now trade featuring him down the line. 

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After all, someone will be interested in the plus-sized, pass-first playmaker. We simply won’t try to predict who.