Throughout much of NBA history, the Western Conference has reigned supreme. That may not change any time soon. If you look around the conference, you’ll see plenty of teams with bright futures. With that said, perhaps none should be as optimistic as the San Antonio Spurs.
After all, the Spurs have the player with, arguably, the highest ceiling in the NBA. We’re talking about Victor Wembanyama. This is the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James.
WIth players like Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and others surrounding him, Wembanyama is poised to carry the Spurs to their previous levels of glory.
Unless the Oklahoma City Thunder get in their way, this team has a perhaps equal collection of young talent. They’ve also got more first-round picks than we’ve ever seen an NBA team collect. That said, the fit between Josh Giddey and the rest of this roster has appeared awkward throughout 2023-24.
Could the Thunder send Giddey to the Spurs?
NBA Trade Proposal: San Antonio Spurs Land Oklahoma City Thunder’s Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Cedi Osman, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Josh Giddey
We don’t mean to disrespect the Eastern Conference – either currently or historically. At one time, it was the dominant conference. If your NBA history is sorely lacking, let us educate you.
In the 1990s, a dynasty played in the East. Whichever Western Conference foe faced them was only there to lose. We’re talking about the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan and his cast of talented teammates established the decade’s dominant dynasty.
Ever since they left, the Eastern Conference hasn’t been the same. Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the Los Angeles Lakers established the league’s next dynasty in the Western Conference. Ever since then, the West hasn’t looked back.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Sure, the East has had its moments. LeBron James has spent most of his career there. Still, more champions have come out of the Western Conference since Jordan’s retirement.
Does this deal ensure that the Spurs emerge with a title or more during the Wembanyama era?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Let’s talk about Giddey. This is a complicated player. Giddey is a huge point guard with outstanding floor vision. He’s also a limited shooter with below-average athleticism. Giddey struggles to create in half-court sets, and he doesn’t offer much if he doesn’t have the ball.
In other words, Giddey could benefit from the guidance of perhaps the best coach in NBA history. Gregg Popovich would find a use for this kid. Meanwhile, the Spurs could use a point guard.
If they could unlock Giddey’s potential, it could give them unmatched size advantages and positional versatility. The thought of a 6’7 point guard sharing the floor with a 7’4 phenom alone should terrify opposing teams.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Parting with two unprotected firsts won’t be easy. At the same time, the Spurs would still have their picks to flesh out the roster around their core. If they see Giddey’s potential despite a rough season, they should be on the phone with the Thunder as we speak.
Should Oklahoma City really part with Giddey?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Even Popovich may struggle to help Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander co-exist. These two both need the ball in order to be maximized. Meanwhile, Jalen Williams is emerging as Gilgeous-Alexander’s long-term backcourt partner. Giddey feels like the odd man out.
So, why not move him? Even then, some Thunder fans would argue against this return. They’ve got so much draft capital already – why not be buyers and start adding more win-now help? Why do they need more draft picks?
Well, you can’t ever have too many assets. Yes, the Thunder will eventually have to consolidate, but having more to consolidate won’t hurt them. In the meantime, Osman is a useful rotation player for a team that’s lacking wing depth.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Still, this is about netting two first-round picks to eventually make a major trade with. Once that trade occurs, the Thunder could wind up claiming supremacy over the Western Conference.
