The Oklahoma City Thunder’s surprising run to the Western Conference Semifinals has them buzzing with excitement about the future, but also facing some tough questions this offseason. One of the biggest revolves around the future of young guard Josh Giddey.
Giddey’s Trade Rumors:
- According to reports, the Thunder are “widely expected to shop” Giddey, despite his solid averages of 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
- His struggles during the playoffs, however, have cast doubt on his fit with the team’s core.
- The Thunder reportedly want to use Giddey, along with their treasure trove of draft picks, to acquire a “cleaner rotation fit” and an “impact player.”
Focus on the Future:
While the Giddey rumors are intriguing, the bigger story is Oklahoma City’s critical offseason decisions. Here’s what the Thunder need to prioritize:
- Internal Development:
- Jalen Williams must develop his scoring and playmaking alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
- Chet Holmgren needs to find offensive consistency to complement his defensive prowess.
- Even MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly as a pick-and-roll playmaker.
- Finding the Right Pieces:
- Patience isn’t an option anymore. While drastic moves aren’t necessary, the Thunder can’t ignore potential upgrades.
- Following the Dallas Mavericks’ model of a mid-season trade deadline splash that propelled them to the Conference Finals is an attractive option.
- The Thunder possess the assets to be major players in future trade talks.
- Maintaining Momentum:
- While internal improvement is crucial, some external additions are likely needed.
- Not addressing the roster’s weaknesses could be a step back after such a successful season.
Presti at the Helm:
Sam Presti, the Thunder’s highly respected GM, has built a team with a bright future. This summer marks a pivotal point:
- The core has valuable playoff experience to build on.
- Presti can make his first significant external move if the right opportunity arises.
- The pressure is on to improve, but the resources are available to do so thoughtfully.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a fascinating off-season ahead. Whether Josh Giddey stays or goes, the team’s focus should be on maximizing the potential of their young core while strategically adding pieces to contend for championships in the years to come.
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