The Golden State Warriors have dominated the NBA for a long time. Teams have come and gone, but the Warriors have remained. Just look at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It wasn’t so long ago that they were one of the foremost challengers to the Warriors. In the end, they couldn’t vanquish them. Kevin Durant would leave the Thunder to join the Warriors as a result. In the meantime, the Thunder have undergone a major rebuilding process. On the other hand, the Warriors have just kept contending.
In fact, the Thunder may be approaching the end of their rebuild. This is a team on the rise. The Thunder could be among the better teams in the NBA in due time. On the other hand, the Warriors’ dynasty may be coming to an end. Could they send Andrew Wiggins to the Thunder as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Victor Oladipo, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – UTA via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins
How does a dynasty get built? There is a combination of factors that go into building one. Still, two stand above the rest: skill and luck. The Warriors have had both.
Did they know Steph Curry would be a generational superstar? Who can say? Curry was the seventh overall pick in the draft. Did the Warriors know that Draymond Green would be one of the best defensive players of all time? It’s doubtful. Green was a second-round pick.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors.& Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Yet, they deserve credit. Sure, the Warriors got lucky. Typically, accomplishing greatness requires some luck. The Warriors drafted those players, and they reaped the rewards. Should they now turn around and trade a key player like Wiggins?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Unfortunately, building a dynasty is also expensive. Just look at the Warriors. This team’s books have gotten extremely messy. At some point, they’re going to have to tend to them.
That’s part of what they’re doing here. Dort is under contract for the same length of time as Wiggins, but he’s $9 million dollars cheaper. Meanwhile, Oladipo is on nan expiring deal. Still, Wiggins is a very good player. The Warriors need to get more than cap relief for him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors.& Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Luckily, they are. Dort can replicate some of his production as a 3-and-D wing. Meanwhile, the Warriors are getting a protected first-round pick as well. If they want to improve their financial situation and get some assets in the process, they’ll like this deal. Should the Thunder?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Dort is a confusing player. On the one hand, he’s a fundamentally sound defender. Dort’s strength allows him to guard across positions too. On the other hand, he’s undersized and a wildly inconsistent shooter.
To take the next step, the Thunder may need to upgrade him. That’s what they’re doing here. Wiggins is more athletic, taller, and a more consistent shooter. He’s a better player than Dort. This is a step toward the playoffs for the Thunder.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors.& Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Giving up a first-round pick stings. On the other hand, the Thunder have the most draft capital in NBA history. They can’t even use every pick that they have at their disposal. With that in mind, they might as well consolidate some assets to upgrade their roster. In time, they’ll hope to dominate the NBA as a result.
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