Reports: Trading Josh Giddey is a 'Realistic Prospect' For Thunder
At 33-15, Oklahoma City is obviously doing something right. Nearing the All-Star break, the Thunder sits at No. 2 in the Western Conference and the team has plenty going for it. Mark Daigneault is the early favorite for Coach of the Year, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently a close second in MVP odds.
There are certainly areas where the Thunder could look to improve, though. The rebounding has been an issue, and the starting lineup pairing of Lu Dort and Josh Giddey has been rough at times. Having two non-shooters really clogs things up for Gilgeous-Alexander and gives opposing teams a scouting advantage. It could only get worse in the playoffs, too.
The idea of trading Giddey this off-season seemed impossible, as the young guard was coming off of his best season and a jaw-dropping play-in performance against New Orleans. He has really struggled in his third NBA season, however, and has been surrounded by allegations regarding an inappropriate relationship with a minor. While his name has been cleared legally, the NBA is still doing its due diligence.
His fit with the Thunder's current lineup is still questionable, too. OKC has two ball-dominant stars in Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, leaving little room for Giddey to operate. Andrew Gaze, an Australian basketball reporter said that a trade isn't out of the question.
He believes it's a “realistic prospect” that Giddey is dealt at the deadline.
“I think it’s a realistic prospect, not just for the playing reasons, but also the economics of the situation,” Gaze told CODE Sports. “Chet is going to be a max player, you’ve got Shai and Jalen Williams who can shoot."
Giddey could be the odd man out in the Thunder's salary situation. Theoretically, it makes sense for the Thunder to give Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Chet Holmgren whatever they are looking for money-wise.
“The Thunder is trying to surround this core with shooters, and while Josh is getting better at that, it becomes harder when he isn’t getting the ball as much," Gaze said. “He is playing more off the ball – and with his skillset – it probably isn’t the best situation for him right now.”
Oklahoma City still values Giddey as a player, though, and will certainly work to find the best situation for him as a player if they do look to go that route.
“I don’t think it will be the sort of thing where he wakes up one day and is told he will be traded," Gaze said. “I think they’ll make sure it is done in collaboration, not just saying pack your bags, and you are off to wherever.”
Outside of the Thunder's rising big three, Giddey is certainly the most valuable trade piece the team has. Only time will tell if the organization makes a move or sees if he can get back on track. But these are the first real rumors reported in the trade market.
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