Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Honest Statement After Luka Doncic Trade

OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about the blockbuster trade.

Oct 29, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) grabs the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during overtime at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best ten players in the NBA.

On Saturday night, the All-Star guard led the OKC Thunder to a 144-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

He finished with 29 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two blocks while shooting 10/20 from the field in 30 minutes.

Nov 25, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) controls the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images / Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Gilgeous-Alexander was traded (via the LA Clippers) to the Thunder after his first season in the NBA.

Therefore, he has a good perspective on what it's like to be traded, and he was recently asked about the blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gilgeous-Alexander on the Doncic trade (h/t Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire): "I learned that lesson the hard way. My first year in the NBA, I got traded out the blue. Didn’t see it coming. It doesn’t surprise me anymore than myself getting traded a long time ago. I found out it was a business my first season... I always say no matter how untouchable you think you are, you never know."

SGA on Luka being traded: “I learned that lesson the hard way in my first year in the NBA. I got traded out the blue. Didn’t see it coming. It doesn’t surprise me anymore than myself getting traded a long time ago. I found out it was a business my first season.” pic.twitter.com/iwObFuvc4K

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 2, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander is currently averaging 32.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 52.8% from the field and 34.6% from the three-point range in 46 games.

The Thunder are also the first seed in the Western Conference with a 38-9 record.

Jan 23, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Last season, Doncic and the Mavs beat the Thunder in the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs (in six games).

On April 6, the Thunder will host Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers.