Debate: Should OKC Make a BIG Trade This Season?

In this clip, JJ Redick and Tim Legler discuss the recent play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and The Oklahoma City Thunder and debate whether they should trade for a player like Lauri Markkanen.
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#NBA #OklahomaCityThunder

[@kdub6898]

As an OKC fan…this is a hard question to answer…chemistry is so important

[@WuShocks]

We are going to have to make a decision soon though. This new CBA is brutal and can't afford to pay everyone. Giddey is probably the odd man out

[@assmaster1166]

No one is maxing giddey lmao hes 20mil at the most. You just have to pay SGA Chet Jdub and enjoy championship level basketball for a decade. ​@DanOvM

[@dewmer90]

Not just chemistry but longevity. Finding a player that fits now, but has no desire to stay long term defeats everything Presti has set up. Especially knowing what it would take to get Markannen. Utah has the leverage right now. Presti doesn't deal when he doesn't have the leverage.

[@AnonymousUser-ss2qr]

KD...

[@mattnoonan6519]

@@WuShocksit’s not bad for homegrown talent, it’s worse for teams that are out overspending in free agency. This team is insane, and they can keep the core together. I just want them to keep Isaiah Joe.

[@coreypowell5332]

Ride it out. They are destined to be a contender for a half decade at LEAST. Don’t mess it up for a borderline over even an all star

[@rickmerancio6347]

No. This isn’t baseball. You can’t afford 100 good players. Get rid of giddy for sure but if they hit another home run in the draft they won’t be able to afford all those stars and role players. Trade picks and giddy for a win now player. Lavine would be nice, markenen would be perfect

[@josh7693]

Yeaaa salaries won’t work lol they will have to make a trade. You don’t know hoop bruh

[@the.NDExperience]

They have like 23 picks or whatever over the next 4 years & they already have a bunch of guys they wanna keep I don't think trading 2 of those picks or something and giddey for OG anunoby or a player like that who can gel with a good team without disrupting things is going to mess anything up

[@WuShocks]

Salary stuff man

[@Brickwilliams]

@@rickmerancio6347not every player drafted is good. Most of them won’t pan out, although we’re great at drafting. But I still think we should trade for a star

[@anthonybrown1830]

OKC should trust the process and just ride it out. Wait until everyone’s in their prime and then use those picks to keep getting talent developed while contending like the Spurs in 2014 or just trade for a young star under 26. They can be a real dynasty.

[@WuShocks]

Can't because of the new CBA

[@thebekgo1624]

Can they trade for Luka?

[@bumshka21]

how is this team IN ANY WAY like the spurs, who had 3 established stars in their 30s who'd been playing together their entire careers, with established veterans playing key bench roles and at most 3 players under 27

[@morell1185]

Name a team that trusting the process has worked out for😅😂

[@terconic]

But if they wait that long then they will all need big deals which will limit the bench

[@josephduncan4356]

Giddey is barely 21, how can you give up on him. When I watch the games he does a lot of nice stuff on the court. I swear all these talking heads just look at the box scores.

[@benwelch6554]

Josh giddey just can’t space the floor. It’s awesome when he has the ball in his hands, he can finish, he’ll always make the right pass, but being an off ball guy while Shai runs the offense is not a good fit for him at all imo. He tries, he’ll move off ball and cut, but no one respects his shooting so it doesn’t have the same effect and clogs the lane. I’d love to see him as a full time backup playmaker to Shai. Cut his minutes, but greatly increase his production

[@lennywestley713]

@@benwelch6554his minutes have been cut, one thing that I’ve noticed as of late is this season Shai is holding onto the ball more idk if it’s true but to me that’s what it seems and when Josh seems to get going he gets taken off whether it be on offence or defence

[@benwelch6554]

@@lennywestley713 that’s a good point too, hard for him to get in a groove in less minutes. Just a weird fit for him right now on the thunder that doesn’t have a clear direction what his role is gonna turn into. I’d trade him if the right offer came up, not because you’re giving up on him but because of the fit

[@craigrobinson4953]

@@benwelch6554Some great points Ben but why did they select Giddey in the draft in the first place when they knew they had Shai there as the point guard. They could have drafted a power forward or centre.

[@benwelch6554]

⁠@@craigrobinson4953not sure, that’s a great question. The main thing I can think of is in 2021 when Josh was drafted, SGA hadn’t quite made a superstar leap and was considered a shooting guard that finishes the play not starts the play. Or maybe they wanted Josh to run the second unit? I’m not sure. At this point I believe Josh still has value, but packaging him in a trade with a few draft picks for someone who fits their current roster just makes sense to me

[@abnerlowe2432]

never been a better time to be an okc fan

[@TheDeven1000]

Idk, it was pretty fun in the early big 3 days

[@WuShocks]

​@@TheDeven1000yeah it was!

[@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381]

Yes there was, 2011, 2012, regular season of 2013, 2014 and 2016.

[@alectateformayor5129]

​@@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381yes true but I'm more happy now

[@accordingtodrew7302]

Okc doesn’t want to pull the trigger to quick and mess it up like the Cavs did by rushing the project by adding Spida. But as an OKC fan I think presti will ride this season out with this core. Maybe add a nice bench piece by using Bertans contract and a pick for a nice veteran rotation player. My dream target is Mikal Bridges and lauri would be nice.

[@enterpassword3313]

Bridges would be amazing on that team, but idk how the trade would work, bridges is making over 20 mill a year

[@mattpischke1976]

@@enterpassword331320 mil a year is insanely cheap and a bargain contract for a player of his caliber. shai signed his extension before he made an all nba team so he isnt on a supermax. if we trade for bridges jdub and giddey might be gone. if not then giddey at least for sure.

[@positive601]

For Mikal Bridges, trade bertans, and poku, and a draft pick. Maybe sub poku for vicic.

[@enterpassword3313]

@@positive601 why would brooklyn accept that trade?

[@accordingtodrew7302]

@@positive601 Brooklyn would only take that if we offered like 4 first round picks. I would do Dieng, Bertans, Jaylin Williams(the big man) and 3 first for Mikal.

[@LennieNelson55]

As good as Markkannen is, I think his shot selection would take away from Chet. At this point in his development, I think they should just see how good Chet can get in every facet. I would rather the Thunder get a big like Brook Lopez who can protect the paint, hit a trail 3, and rebound like a MF. It would free up Chet to be a weak-side shot blocker, and let him play more of a wing role on and off the ball. The Thunder's few glaring weakness' right now are rebounding and size against contenders like the Lakers, Wolves, and Nuggets. It's easier said than done finding a player like that, and Brook is of course not going to be available.

[@Qdawwg]

Markkannen is a really unselfish player. I could see him and Chet working together, especially since Lauri shoots the 3 so well that he can kind of play a small stretch 5 or a big stretch 3. Would give Chet more space, not less

[@nikkomansfield]

Have you seen Brook Lopez's rebounding numbers lately?

[@ShayMuuLa]

Lmao yes he’s better than Chet he supposed to.

[@shalom3971]

Literally drafted and traded him for ANOTHER guard.

[@jan279]

Fr, they’re pretty much the same player, Chet just being taller and younger.

[@tylerlynch5540]

After watching them in person, ride it out for a year. If anything, add a veteran join the team to help them playoff wise. Only position they need maybe starting wise is a SF. Lauri might clash too much with Chet. Chet is going to be special.

[@nullnull5315]

Exactly they are so similar rn but chet has such a higher ceiling

[@kevinb1277]

@@nullnull5315You've never watched Lauri play and it shows. There's zero world in which those two clash.

[@krste3000]

@@kevinb1277 This. Lauri would fit like a glove in OKC.

[@nickbooth3666]

Caruso would be perfect for this team

[@rcvillapando]

I agree with Legs. This IS THE REAL PROCESS. They are so good that they need to ride it out. If they win, great! If they lose, they will know their weakness for the next season.

[@ayoowets]

depends on who they go for. Lauri would make them a win now team while also perfectly fitting the timeline. Plus, with all that draft capital, 3/4 picks isn't bleeding OKC dry. They're so good & play such fluid basketball. Adding a 3 level scoring big with the range Lauri has would make this team legit scary.

[@ky-leelots5300]

At the four yes super scaryyy

[@jerome2605]

This duo is exactly what sports media needs

[@ND-qf8wf]

Exactly some white NBA stars right

[@worldwidephax6864]

@@ND-qf8wfcan’t help that the history of The NBA is majority black

[@worldwidephax6864]

Two of favorites because they hold no bias 🫡

[@ND-qf8wf]

The history of the NBA is not black, the majority of the players and stars may have. But white players sell tickets, jerseys, and media rights

[@nerome619]

last five contests, Giddey has averaged 11.8 points on 57% from the field and 39% from three, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 21.5 minutes ... and how old is he? how much pressure is he under?

[@ThenotoriousAmerican1]

We need rebounding and more shooting. Lauri is the perfect fit for us. Rebounding has been our down fall in big games. We can’t survive every shootout. Especially in the playoffs.

[@BrettDonaldson-kv6my]

Giddey is playing a role for the team this year and his form is down for reasons other than basketball but he is the youngest player ever to record a triple double in the nba and has multiple triple doubles in the last two years. You can’t do that if you’re an average playmaker at this level.

[@ACX16]

they don't need playmaking like that tho. he cant shoot and gets benched in the clutch every time

[@nerome619]

@@ACX16 his efficiency is tight finishes - points/turn over/assist ratio is elite.

[@BrentWoods-nr3ui]

Who cares trade him

[@BrettDonaldson-kv6my]

@@BrentWoods-nr3ui straight hate

[@tyronehill-fw1my]

He's a predator Bret

[@itszirvah]

Haven’t looked at their contract situations coming up yet, but honestly maybe riding it out and seeing how far this team goes and what their weaknesses come playoff time are, might be the best move. This team has fantastic chemistry and culture, and it would probably strengthen that even more after a strong playoff experience. Then add a piece

[@Ant-Man612]

Lowkey they can trade for KD if he’s really unhappy. It would be the funniest thing ever 😂

[@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381]

They would never trade for him unless he's cheap to get, and Durant is definitely not cheap to get now.

[@redzwestisbest]

Giddey has been playing much better lately.

[@peternut358]

Giddey is not being traded.

[@aron.gortman]

Yes sir.

[@williestyle35]

While many have commented here that "trusting the process" has not really worked out for the teams that tried it, rushing into an unnecessary trade has also been disastrous for teams like Cleveland and the 76ers (recently). I think Legler is right : ride this out till it is demonstrated what trade would improve the Thunder. So many of OKC's young "others" are really good and could become better (like Jalen Williams and Lou Dort for example).

[@dfynestmax8716]

Nobody has done it like OKC it's the only team to do a rebuild right

[@williestyle35]

@@dfynestmax8716 true. OKC drafted the majority of these players. And the trade for Shai might have eaten up a bunch of draft picks, but it was certainly worth it!

[@ptoney1134]

Tim is correct. I’d much rather go add better role players if possible at the moment. 3 and D wing with size would be great.

[@compactdisk2753]

Can someone tell me which video jj was referring to when he said they made a video about "in season trades that led to a championship"? Coz I can't find it.

[@Bars11_]

OKC can be a future dynasty if they play their cards right.

[@SomeChink]

It will never happen because the owners don’t want to spend They literally just got the city to build the new arena for them and barely put up any of their own money

[@BrokeSpike]

They haven't even made a deep playoff run yet, a dynasty? People today are so quick to crown mfs king before they've even had the coronation.

[@FreeBandz658]

I think we should see what our ceiling is as a regular season team and in the playoffs. A star or a great piece always ends up disgruntled, out of favour etc. Presti is great at this stuff i trust him

[@zakaryw]

Windows don’t always last as long as everyone expects. Yes, OKC is young but something could change quickly. With SGA not on a super max yet along with guys like Chet, Jdub, and Joe on cheap rookie deals still, now is the time to be aggressive and make a move for a Markkanen

[@terenceskywalker]

Go get Markkanen and take the ball out of JDUB or Chets hands? That's a no from me. Let JDub and Chet develop and then see what you have.

[@ad5st178]

at that point your just gonna halting the development of Jalen Willam’s and Chet 😭 they should stand pat and wait in till an actual superstar is available for trade

[@jermdog1321]

I dont really understand the hype for markkanen in okc. Hes not needed. He plays no defense and okc has plenty of scoring. If they go after a star power forward siakam would be a better fit imo

[@Pale25nussiaitiis]

@@jermdog1321no defense is crazy

[@sofus47]

​@@jermdog1321markkanen and siakam are really not that far apart on defense anymore

[@jose-bq9wq]

I could see the point of riding it out to see what weaknesses they have but we already know them. The main weaknesses are rebounding and size and Markannen fits that perfectly as well as being an elite shooter.

[@1pittmanj]

Let them grow together, and then see who is available in the off-season. If you have to trade then make a trade but have multiple targets in the FA market first.

[@joshb405]

OG or siakam would be amazing, preferably Siakam for a little more size.

[@kdub6898]

Siakam would be perfect

[@Wrestle_Kingdom]

Oh yes siakam I pass

[@gabesoto9301]

They should ride it out this year. This will be this group’s first year in the playoffs, let them ride it out, see how they do, and make an assessment on what to do after that. I also agree that Giddey is the odd one out, and I thought that even before all the underage stuff came out. His fit next to SGA is weird and a 3 and D wing next to SGA and Williams is a much better fit than Giddey is currently. He’s not having the best year but he’s still a good player who depending on what happens with this investigation, will still have some trade value. Overall, I don’t think they should make a move just to make one because they have the capital to. It should be the RIGHT move for another star who fits with the 3 main guys they have right now. (SGA, Chet, Williams)

[@christiankarlkarganilla2763]

Giddey is fine with SGA. They paired last season and Giddey still had great numbers for a sophomore. What hurt him was the arrival of Chet becomingbthe 2nd or 3rd option and J-Dub's improvement being significantly better than expected. I wouldn't necessarily get rid of Giddey just yet especially if he is happy with his role and doesn't demand the ball. But he gotta work on his shooting. That's the part of his game that has really regressed.

[@Lazyfisherman94]

I think the best teams are built off talent, experience and years of chemistry. When a talented core is kept together for years, they can flourish. When you have a young talented team like OKC, I think the best thing to do is to let them gain experience together and develop a chemistry with each other as they develop their individual/team game with the same core. They are absolutely rolling right now with so little experience with each other, allow this team to grow together. Even if they lose come playoff time, that is not a bad thing long term, they will have the experience and be able to build off that. They do not have to win right now. I just believe sticking with the same solid core for a while will develop such a great team. Too many teams rush to get better and make unnecessary trades that look good on paper but rarely translates into success. I think Golden State and San Antonio is a great example of teams who stuck with their talented core and they did well with it. Look at these "Super Star" stacked teams in the Suns, Brooklyn (a couple years ago), Clippers. Lakers, etc... A bunch of great players traded to the same team, even if it looks good on paper, rarely works out. Don't fix what ain't broke. Let this team grow.

[@jon401]

the way the nba works they are going to get broken up anyway. Because most of these players arent making any money and the team isn't going to be able to pay them all or players will get better offers elsewhere. It's not about keeping teams together it's about knowing when to change them up. GS got lucky with the salary cap/KD situation and the spurs worked out because there star players were aged apart. being on the same age/timeline how the thunder are now is exactly how they were with russ/kd/harden. They're going to lose someone. You just better pray they don't let the wrong get away like harden, and they don't make a choice like choosing westbrook over KD

[@WeekendUpdate7]

So many teams forget how important chemistry is. Probably why Denver is so good.

[@Lazyfisherman94]

@@WeekendUpdate7 I was thinking about Denver the whole time I wrote this post 😂 you are 100% right

[@WeekendUpdate7]

@@Lazyfisherman94 Teams so easily dispose of coaches and leadership that I think it effects how teams operate now. They feel the need to constantly trade for players so their job isn't in jeopardy, which is going to affect the chemistry. I'm a Lakers fan, I think they struggle with chemistry. Seems like every year we have a couple new starters lol.

[@jon401]

Denver isn't really a good example of longstanding chemistry. Tbf there's literally only the 3 core guys there from their championship year compared to 2 years prior. Why they are such a beast is because they got healthy and made trades that bought into the system with Brown, RJ, AG, & KCP were all added in recently. I'm not that much of a fan of the original comment also mentioning GS & the Spurs. I mean yes, their core 3 or 4 was drafted, but Tim & Steph are also two Top 5-11 players of all time. I'd say they were going to win multiple chips almost regardless of the draft situation. Jokic might be on that same caliber who knows. But he for sure is the most dominant player in the league and I could see him winning on a lot of different teams cause that's just what you do when you're the best you find a way to win whether it's with what your drafted with, what you trade in, or if you go somewhere else. The real success stories imo have more to do with individual player greatness than organization building, when you really go back and look at it. @@WeekendUpdate7

[@xcvsumextra]

They should just clear some cap and remain flexible on the free agency market for a sign and trade type deal if the right guy comes along. Right now it seems like any team wanting to deal with okc would expect upwards of 3 first round picks

[@nickbooth3666]

I agree with ride it out and not trading for a star player, but if they could pickup somebody now like caruso that would be an ideal fit and help strengthen the team come playoffs

[@ceo_getbucketz6761]

Agree, ride it out for the year.. regular season is completely different from the postseason. The postseason exposes everyone’s weaknesses, let okc find out what there weakness is in the postseason and make adjustments in the offseason .

[@grandpa203]

I see both sides of the coin...Lauri would be a great fit in OKC...he would only add another wrinkle to a already elite offense. But on the flip Legs has a point if they wait it out then another star player could emerge on the trade market. Also I don't see the deal happening because Ainge would want a forklift for Lauri and as good as he is I don't see Presti giving up the treasure chest for him

[@TheQuintessentialBM]

The answer is YES. This team's window started THIS YEAR. Experience can be overrated; players can be young and efficient. People don't realize that you emphasize experience, you're trading away youth and vitality. With added experience comes the risk of INJURY and health is just as important, if not more. As already stated, they have so many players, that they cannot pay all of them AND some will leave OKC for a bigger market & pay day. You cannot tell me Chet Holmgren wouldn't want to play in Minnesota, SGA in Toronto.

[@daanishgupta]

They have a lot of assets and some players who are good talents but clash positioning wise. This is the time to cash-in on a good player who can stabilize their team. Every championship team does that. The Warriors traded for Iggy, Bucks for Jrew and Nuggets did it for Milsap (and more later on).

[@ayushba07]

Can anyone name the iPad cover being used in the video?

[@him4882]

Ride it out. Continuity snd experience is everything. They’re a bruiser center and a long athletic shooting big away from dominating.

[@Odmie1Niec]

Olynyk from Jazz is also a good cheaper option. He is tall, can rebound, shoot threes, additionally they are friends with Lu Dort and SGA playing in Canadian national team so good chemistry is also provided

[@Flashfloodhandles]

Thank you for the content on okc!!!

[@vishnujayakumar1846]

I think the move makes sense under the proper circumstances. As stated in the end, there is no need for the Thunder to rush. Many of their players are not close to their prime years yet. Although Lauri Markkanen looks to be intriguing on the Thunder fit-wise and concept-wise with an insane amount of spacing for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to work with given he is best as a slasher, I think the right move is to be patient whether that means trading for Lauri Markkanen or not. It would be interesting to see how Lauri Markkanen and Chet Holmgren would fit. I would say only make this trade if you believe Lauri Markkanen's style of play gels with the current young core in Oklahoma City and you believe Lauri Markkanen does not take away from Chet Holmgren and his development, from Sam Presti's perspective.

[@justinwaterman3976]

I would just wait to see what they do as they are. Like JJ said they are ahead of schedule.. see what they can do in the playoffs as is, and then tweak from there.

[@mario98730]

I was just saying to my dad on Christmas if they trade for Markkanen he doesn't change their chemistry at all, you don't have to change their offense too too much (he shoots and defends well), but he's exactly the veteran presence they could use (while still being pretty young.) That said, totally understand if they want to see what this core can do. They're not in a rush and they probably don't need to be. But adding Markkanen would make them by far the best team in the league and championship favorites.

[@Murali_bala13]

Feel good stories could be fleeting in this league with injury risk (esp with the way Shai and that core plays). So strike while the iron is hot. To me OKC needs a 3&D wing with size that rebounds and can space the floor. A Finney Smith is gettable. They also need a bruising big ( the Steven Adams, Kevon Looney archetype) to backup Chet and rebounding, paint protection are nuts and bolts of winning basketball esp in the playoffs where possessions are precious! They can contend right away but Denver is a behemoth upfront and a bad matchup for the Thunder and the Nuggets are here to stay next 3 yrs atleast....and the Lakers, Wolves are similar....so the Thunder need to calibrate keeping the key competition in mind in the conference.

[@Brickwilliams]

Lauri would be a GREAT fit, we could use some size down there chet sometimes struggles with rebounding against thick boys

[@keatonwalker4875]

I think the nets came out and said they’re not going to move him, but Mikal bridges would be perfect. Then add a Myles turner type as a backup 5 or being able to play him and chet together at the 4 and 5 would be lethal.

[@BrettDonaldson-kv6my]

I’d wait on Giddey at 21 and with the off court issues yet to be resolved he might get back to where he was ( lots of triple doubles past two seasons). Plus who’s going to be the playmaker if Shai gets hurt ?

[@NotKinggg]

Carson Wallace? Tre Mann?

[@BrettDonaldson-kv6my]

Wallace is a rookie who hasn’t shown that level of play making yet. Mann hasn’t seen a lot of minutes this season . Micic would probably be the one if Shai was hurt and Giddey was traded.

[@NotKinggg]

@@BrettDonaldson-kv6my Giddey is staying

[@BrettDonaldson-kv6my]

Giddey too good to trade low wait till all the off court stuff is gone and then see how he looks .

[@Wrestle_Kingdom]

The whole team are good passer and solid playmakers that literally their offensive identity good ball movement and off ball action with the occasional shai and jdub iso, giddey playmaking is good but very overrated since his playmaking is very limtied and majority of it is mainly is him waiting for back door cuts

[@Studentofthegame3]

They still have hella picks I mean just try to get a solid 4 man that can defend and shoot that’s young (which is lowkey difficult to find) but I think Sam henki can find a way to

[@aaronpeters6209]

Rare times I generally agree with everything said in this video. They should try and be patient. They have the core of guys to do so with (Shai, Jalen W, Holmgren). Finding someone to replace Giddey makes sense. As you want someone to complement that trio who can space the court & provide some defensive value. That's not really Giddey's game, nor does he seem to contribute much in the way towards winning. They'd probably have to give up too much to get SIakam or OG. Maybe someone like Dorian Finney-Smith. Or maybe a sign and trade for someone cheaper, like Danilo Gallinari or Otto Porter Jr. No reason to rush and trade away picks though. With new CBA & OKC's draft history. They are arguably better of holding onto those picks and drafting players with them.

[@Tehui1974]

I don't know enough about the OKC team to identify where they need reinforcements (although JJ did say on the wing). But it sounds like it's best to wait it out this season. OKC could potentially make the Western semi-finals. If they go any deeper than that, they'll pleasantly surprise me.

[@johnivy991]

Thought: Trade Bertans for Jonathan Isaac, or push all in and try for JJJ

[@unap0l0getlc4]

Lots of 7 footers in this years draft for what they need add a Kel’El Ware, Aaron Bradshaw, and either Zac Edey or D.J Wagner continue building through the draft. However, if we could get Lauri Markkanen for Davis Bertans, Tre Mann and a say 4 first-round picks I would say make the trade. 😂❤

[@_.ilyhayden7578]

I think Giddey is amazing (besides off the court things) but he doesn’t necessarily fit in okc, i could see him becoming a boarder line all star/reserve on a team built around him

[@douglasmurphy3266]

Salary makes or breaks the team in the coming years. I'd stock up on vets whose contracts end when Shai and Chet get pay increases.

[@ericlovett7217]

I kinda think Kuzma would be a good fit. Lower usage rate than Lauri meaning the team dynamic wouldn't shift too much. Kuz is pretty versatile defensively and can play off the ball on offence with his size being pretty good for screens and also shooting a decent clip from 3 this season

[@christiankarlkarganilla2763]

They really don't need to trade for an all-star if it means giving up a young budding player like a Giddey, J-Will, Cason, etc. . They just need to acquire a decent to solid vet (preferrably a big) who can rebound the ball. Rebound is something they need to improve and it wouldn't hurt to have a vet presence to help and mentor them. They need to ride this out to find out who they wanna keep in the future.

[@benfranklin1770]

The Sexton/Markannen deal for Mitchell looks good for Utah!!

[@alekhorsman6972]

Man Tim is so knowledgeable, I love listening to him talk ball

[@redzwestisbest]

NO!!!! they need a big ..who rebounds..against certain teams...nothing to disrupt their chemistry. Maybe like an Andre Drummond.

[@Wrestle_Kingdom]

Andre Drummond would not work in okc any traditional big man would not work in okc

[@redzwestisbest]

you are not getting it. He would be used in certain situations@@Wrestle_Kingdom

[@jermdog1321]

@@Wrestle_Kingdomyes he would. Move chet to the 4 so he gets more open shots and can still rim protect and help defense without having to worry about guarding the stronger centers every second of the game

[@r9dog949]

The problem with giddey is he needs the ball in his hands and needs to be the playmaker, but with how good of a playmaker that shai is and giddey's lack of an off ball skill it makes him not look as good. I think he would be great on a team that needs a playmaker like the spurs or something.

[@sebastianschwald1625]

Great point by Tim starting from 4:15 Completely agree with him!

[@thatfatguy7591]

I think OKC just needs a solid 6th man off the bench and a vet with good decision making and playoff exp I think CP3 would be a great fit off the bench as that vet if he comes as a vet min in the off season.

[@kuyaalleennn]

Remembered when Warriors traded Monta Ellis for Bogut, then got Iguodala in free agency. I see Thunder in this spot, a one or two trade away, or free agent signing that "just fits" perfectly.

[@Flying-Flo]

OKC's future looks bright indeed! Wouldn't' the addition of Markkanen prevent Chet from developing to his full potential though? OKC seems more in need of a rebounder I'd say... A Tristan Thompson 2.0 would be ideal 😊

[@andysauro1500]

Lauri Markannen is the tempting obvious pick. Kevin Durant is the haymaker swing. But Draymond Green may be the non obvious perfect fit.

[@BWalker9313]

Lauri’s a great option but so is OG Anunoby. He’s a big wing that can defend multiple positions but he can stretch as well. Either of those 2 would be really great options.

[@andrecambridge4474]

Neither works

[@pre-pubescentaleks7041]

@@andrecambridge4474care to elaborate?

[@Jeipiicsgo]

dont even put those 2 guys in the same sentence smh

[@BWalker9313]

@@Jeipiicsgo why? Lauri is an All-Star that scores a lot, OG’s an all defensive team player that lead the league in steals last year. They’re different players but they’re both really good.

[@Jeipiicsgo]

@@BWalker9313 og is is good dont get me wrong but markkanen is elite and would make them top contender

[@JimBob-jr5up]

Markkanen would be killer. But even just Olynik for cheaper would really help. Or Giddey+Mann+4 1sts for Markkanen+Olynik

[@kdub6898]

That would put us over the top

[@JimBob-jr5up]

​@@kdub6898Olynik would be a perfect 4/5 second stringer for us.

[@BLGClipsx]

@@kdub6898over the top to do what?

[@kevinb1277]

Price will be higher than that. No one wants Giddey man.

[@aaronpeters6209]

Don't need more offensive firepower. Shai+Jalen W+Holmgren is a solid future core. Need to put smart 3&D players around them. Better off holding onto the 1sts and hope you score another steal. I think they'd be better off giving up Giddey and a 1st/2nd for a sign and trade of someone like Otto Porter, Danilo Gallinari, Dorian Finney smith, etc. Even then, they can be patient and for the offseason to role around to grab such players.

[@user-jv2yk4vf8q]

They could use a quality big at a fair price. Other than that, I say see what you got, this team is fun.

[@cheesun124]

They have KD, Russ, Harden, Ibaka and Perk. Three of them have MVP potential and they almost best GSW in the finals, I say keep them together! 😊

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

Did you just wake up from a coma or something

[@the_one1001]

Shai is a Top 5 player and they need to build a team around him… Chet looks legit also as the no 2 option Just like Denver… So they need to develop their current team and see what that looks like

[@troybryant2187]

Denver made that trade for Aaron Gordon and it worked wonders for them. He was a Lauri type player at that time and getting him early helped them to form chemistry.

[@kimjonghyun3471]

@@troybryant2187lauri is better than Aaron Gordon was in Orlando lol. I think he deservingly takes a bit from chet which inhibits Chet’s growth who I already sharing with so many people

[@Piochasinchina]

I would just ride it out. Rushing it will bring nothing good, they’re a very young team and tbh I don’t see them as championship contenders this year even with markkanen but they will be soon. Test this young core out and see how they perform under pressure. Bright future ahead for okc.

[@Getdown8319]

I think they need to stand fast. Not worth ruining their cohesion. The only thing they need is time and experience.

[@awdrpepper]

Giddey is +65 over the last 10 games. He was awful to start the season but he's already playing better. The starting rotation looked disjointed at the start of the year, but is getting it together now. Why make a big move when you dont have to? What's the rush? Let them play.

[@brownshit1]

Markkenan and Clarkson would be amazing gets for OKC.

[@cjdcjd5717]

Somebody like Lauri is a hand in glove fit. Some folks have been mentioning legit 5s, not sure if that's a great fit. A bench 5 maybe, but Chet at the 5 has a lot of pros

[@andrewshandle]

Trading capspace to eat Kevin Porter Jr.'s contract to get some crap 2nd round picks was just silly of them. Presti needs to actually think about winning eventually

[@HoopLists]

They're doing great already. It's only a matter of time 💯

[@DIMETHEKID]

Trade giddey. He could be doing so much more but is playing alongside a ball dominant pg 🤷🏾

[@jaylunwilliams1544]

I usually trust JJ but I gotta advocate for Andrew Schlechts stance. We're too young we don't know what we have yet. Let's get beat in the first or second round and see what we need Edit: thank you Tim

[@rylbhadcomntz7660]

OKC doesn't need to trade players, they can use draft assets to acquire the right piece/s. That also falls in line with Legler's point of waiting it out because if the trade doesn't work as well, they still have a treasure chest of picks without touching the core.

[@jameshillarybalonda1222]

I like Markenan for OKC but the chemistry would become mess without Giddy, Okc need to do something to Lauri Markanen without trading Giddy, Also it is not good to rush everything too

[@Chromedesu444]

love Legz...hes one of my fave analysts fosho knows the game

[@ignaciglo5107]

Yes you make a move, treat these contracts these guys have like a rookie qb contract. Take advantage of the low salary cap hits and make a move for a star now!

[@vinothchokkalingam2047]

Jerami Grant , Lauri Markkanen or Siakam who makes better for OKC and Indiana. Both teams require 4's I feel Grant is a better fit considering chet at 5 who plays outside the 3. Lauri at Indiana will be the better fit. Please share your views

[@wendellpritchett6656]

Don’t trade Giddy just stagger his minutes with Shai more to keep size at the PG position. They would be great with Lauri. Always have a stretch big at all times.

[@jaimekoharris421]

Even though I love Russ I am so glad that we made the decision to rebuild when we did cause look at us now

[@enterpassword3313]

Lol i thought they should have traded him instead of harden

[@oledirtypurp0]

I think their post season run this season will predicate a lot. If they compete and get to the 2nd round then why trade the nucleus ?

[@salbenrosli707]

Trust the process. Only make trades during the season break. Any trades now would derail anything good this season.

[@Xbusk]

I always trust Sam Presti. He has earned our acceptance. He has always came through on top in every trade. Its astounding how intelligent he is in this business. OKC Thunder please do not make any massive adjustments. The Thunder players are ALL growing at an incredible rate it's absolutely scary looking compared to the rest of the league. The Thunder are meshing so well!

[@jacobveu4859]

They need to get a vet that can come off the bench and control that unit and be able to close games. Like when the Warriors went and got Iggy to add to their young core. They don’t need a top 10-15 player just someone who defend, pass and hit timely shots. And then let SGA and Chet develop into stars

[@ArtisWrld]

As a resident of Okc we like what we have

[@JmssBraendle]

Take the year and let everyone continue to develop and get some experience, than see what you need and adjust

[@gringostarr7858]

See if you can get Cade on the cheap, the finnisher, or maybe Donovan mitchell. If not hold your cards and keep building.

[@jtrix34]

The Lauri trade doesn't make sense to me. Are you saying that a combination of Chet, Jalen Williams, and Lauri is gonna guard: Jokic, AD, Towns, Rudy, or Embid, Giannis , and Zinger if they make it to the finals?

[@jermdog1321]

Someone with a brain. I dont understand the lauri hype either bro. Trading for a vet center that can rebound and rim protect is really all they need. Even if they trade for a 4 someone like siakam who i think the raptors will consider shopping now makes more sense since he can shoot, defend, rebound and playmake

[@tre017]

OKC should ride it out. After all they are still lacking playoff experience anyway so going through a playoff run will let them know where they stand.

[@nonamespls3468]

Wiggins or Markannen or Jeremy Grant for Giddy+picks

[@losjoestardew]

I don't think they need another star anymore. But it will always depend if someone gets hurt. Chet is doing good, JDub was amazing, and SGA? a MVP worthy of a player. Giddey was inconsistent but still, they won lots of games when he was playing. Dort was being Dort. If you watch the whole game, they are good at fast pacing. I don't even see any problems when they are playing a small ball. If they trade for another star player, the chemistry will be ruined. Also, Mark's rotation was crazy. I once saw in a comment the rotation of Kobe during his tenure in L.A. It was identical to SGA's rotation. Play the whole 1st quarter, rest for 5-6 minutes at 2nd, play the whole 3rd quarter then, rest again (depends on their lead) for like 4-6 minutes and then end the game.

[@TheJohnPandaYuan]

Trade for a center that can counter Embiid, Jokic, or AD and get another scorer or playmaker to help ease off some load for SGA Health is important, riding out seems good but right now OKC is super healthy might as well go for it this season and see what happens. Worst case scenario you don’t do well and you still have over 28 picks in the next 5 years

[@HollaIfYaHemi392]

Okc thunder is fine with what we're doing. Ppl forget how good giddy was before chet showed up

[@mylesjones3134]

They could strengthen they depth maybe more 3 and d little stuff they already really set

[@user-rs5jb5lz1q]

add a solid rebounder and defender

[@awsome_power]

Josh giddy and lue dort and a first round pick for lauri. He would be their center. Chet would be at his proper position at the 4. Max floor spacing and a great second or third option in markannen. It's a great fit.

[@ajayagath5976]

Lu Dort is the okc defensive guy and now he’s efficient on the 3 there’s no chance he gets traded, far too valuable, in the starting line up okc have 4 lockdown defenders, Dort JDub SGA Chet