As weird as it sounds, OKC could Trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There were rumors coming out saying that Sam Presti could trade Gilgeous-Alexander in order to get some draft capital. According to the rumors, “he doesn’t fit the timeline” of this team. By this, they mean since most of the players on the roster are in their teens and the fact that they have a plethora of draft picks, he may be too old for this team. Here is the situation.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a young star in the making and his play proves it. At only 22 years old, he still has so much room to improve. Last season, he averaged 23.7/4.7/5.9 on 51% FG, 42% from three and 81% from the line. His offensive game has taken astronomical leaps since he entered the league and because of that, he’s the main man in OKC. According to these reports, he is on the trade block because of his skill-level. Even though he’s more than likely not going to be moved, it’s still noteworthy. He is an All-Star type of a player and trading him wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense given his young age and his impact.
Trading a player like Gilgeous-Alexander would involve a blockbuster-type of deal. A stack of draft picks would have to be involved and/or skilled young prospects. Knowing the price for him, there are some teams that are possibly linked to Shai such as the Nuggets, Raptors, Bulls and Magic. These teams are all fairly young and looking for youth in return except for the Nuggets who are looking to contend. Here are two mock trades that could happen:
Porter Jr. is a blossoming star but his limitations are on display during this years playoff run. Nevertheless, he’s a young star that’s only getting better as he ages. Morris and Bol Bol are also very interesting prospects that Presti would love to have on his team. Plus having another first round pick would be the icing on the cake for Presti and co. The Nuggets obtaining Gilgeous-Alexander would give them a true star at the two spot and pairing him with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic would be a very fun lineup. Losing your main bench presence in Monte Morris and a rising star in Porter would make this trade almost impossible to make, though so we shall see in the coming months.
Anunoby is arguably the Raptors’ best defensive wing but trading him for Gilgeous-Alexander would make them look a little scarier. Parting with the fourth pick would hurt them since this years draft class looks very promising. Despite these bugaboos, the trade still makes sense for Toronto. Kyle Lowry is ancient and is more than likely going to be on his way out this offseason. As much as it hurts to say, Lowry is probably done playing for the Raps. It’s time for them to hand the torch off to Gilgeous-Alexander if they were to get a deal done.
This trade would be a positive for OKC because they get a defensive stalwart in Anunoby. He’s much like Dort: plays incredible perimeter defense and has a blossoming offensive game. Plus he’s only 23 years old so the Thunder could work with that. Obtaining the fourth overall pick would make Presti salivate as they’d have both the fourth and sixth overall picks.
Nothing is set in stone yet and it’s all just rumors for right now. OKC shouldn’t trade Gilgeous-Alexander right now but since he may be wanting to leave in the near future to join a competitor, they’re not hesitating to answer some calls. It’s all speculation right now so we’re going to keep an eye on OKC going forward. The next couple weeks/months are going to be a wild ride.
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