Sometimes, two NBA players become linked. It can happen for the strangest reasons. Fate conspires to ensure that we view two players in contrast to each other for years to come.
Take Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re very similar player types. They also weren’t supposed to be in the same draft. in 2022, Holmgren was redshirted.
Now, they’ll be compared throughout history. With that said, their teams are in vastly different places. The Thunder contends, whereas the Spurs are years away from the title picture. Could they send Keldon Johnson to the Thunder?
NBA Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, G/F Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
Often, the draft brings two players together. When two players share a class, it invites comparison. This is something we’ve seen throughout NBA history.
Take the 1984 draft. Hakeem Olajuwon was selected by the Houston Rockets with the first pick. Ordinarily, he’d be an outstanding selection. With that said, Michael Jordan was on the board.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
More recently, look at the 2003 draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers got it right when they selected LeBron James, but Carmelo Anthony would try to chase him for his entire career. Does this deal help the Spurs ensure a successful career for Wembanyama?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
For the Spurs, this is about roster diversification. Johnson is a remarkably similar player to Devin Vassell. The two can play together, but the Spurs may prefer to bring in a different type of player.
Josh Giddey qualifies. Granted, he’d struggled in 2023-24. Giddey isn’t much of a half-court creator. He’s still got impressive floor vision. Gregg Popovich may feel like he can work with the young floor general.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Meanwhile, Dort is the best defender in this group. He’s also young enough to grow with the Spurs. Should the Thunder part with him?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Giddey isn’t likely to be a major part of this team’s future. Between Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams, they have their core of the future secured.
Dort is a different story. He’s a low-usage player who fits with their core. Still, the Thunder could feel like they need an injection of shot creation in their rotation if they fall short in the 2023-24 playoffs.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Johnson is the best shot creator in this deal. He’s also a capable, versatile defender. This would be a win-now upgrade for the Thunder.. It could even give Holmgren a head start over Wembanyama.
