Imagine being a billionaire. At some point, money becomes meaningless. A million dollars? Sure! That’s a mere fraction of my wealth, but, of course, not for an NBA owner.
The Oklahoma City Thunder may be feeling the same. This team has the most draft capital that an NBA team has ever amassed. At some point, they may have to consolidate some of those assets.
In fact, the Thunder could trade for a star without even making a dent in their collection. This team could send out three or four future first-round picks and still have one of the best collections in the NBA. Should they spend some draft capital on Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, 2024 First-Round Pick (UTA via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (MIA via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
With that said, all of the money in the world can’t buy you happiness. At least, it’s been said. We’re not sure. It feels like being a billionaire would make it a little easier to find happiness.
Either way, in NBA terms, happiness is an NBA title. You can collect all of the draft capital in the league. If you don’t use it to put together a champion, you’ve wasted your efforts.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Will the Thunder build a champion? That’s to be determined. Still, it does feel like at some point, they’ll have to move some of their picks to bring in a star player. Could Siakam be that star?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
The time may be now for the Thunder. This team looked like it was ready to take a step forward in 2022-23.Meanwhile, they’re set to bring Chet Holmgren into the fold this season. That’s part of the appeal here. The defensive dynamic between Siakam as a roamer and Holmgren as a rim protector could be dominant soon.
More broadly, Siakam feels like the type of player the Thunder have been targeting. This team is obviously infatuated with jumbo playmakers. Siakam is among the best in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
In fact, he could be a perfect compliment to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a second option. If everything goes well here, the Thunder could take a major leap from play-in hopefuls to real title contenders. Should the Raptors facilitate that leap?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Raptors moved a pick of their own at this year’s deadline. They sent the San Antonio Spurs a protected first in exchange for Jakob Poeltl. It was a bit of a puzzling decision. The Raptors were underperforming. Was investing in their current core really the smartest decision?
Either way, what’s done is done. The Raptors continued to underperform. At this point, they need to start operating as sellers instead of buyers. Here, they’re making their big sale.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Dort is a nice addition to this team – and the fact that he’s Canadian is a bonus. Still, the Raptors do this deal for the four unprotected first-round picks they’re receiving. That might not be a billion dollars, but it’s something.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
