Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal 

It’s funny. These two teams could not have had more different motives heading into 2022-23. Yet, at 11-17, the Thunder have almost the exact same record as the Lakers. 

Imagine if this team was motivated to win. This deal has them giving themselves the motivation. Following this trade., the rebuild would be officially over. 

To our eye, it would look like a successful project. A core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Davis, and Chet Holmgren ought to get the Thunder contending sooner than later. 

The defensive dynamic between Davis and Holmgren is especially enticing. Holmgren should be able to ease into NBA life as a drop coverage rim protector more easily with Davis as a free safety. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates

Meanwhile, even following this deal, the Thunder would still have draft capital to spare. That’s a good situation.