The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on fire this season, surprising everyone with a 57-25 record and snagging the top seed in the Western Conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a revelation, finishing as a top-three MVP candidate while averaging 30.1 points per game. Rookie Chet Holmgren also made waves, coming in second in the Rookie of the Year race and anchoring the defense with 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
Now, the Thunder find themselves out of the playoffs after a tough loss in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite their regular season success, the playoffs have highlighted a glaring need: Shai needs a backcourt buddy who can score and handle playmaking duties. Adding an elite point guard would allow Shai to focus more on scoring, making the Thunder’s offense even more dangerous.
This move is crucial for OKC to continue its rise and become a true contender. With the right addition, the Thunder could go from surprising everyone this season to being a legitimate championship threat in the years to come.
1. De’Aaron Fox
Potential Trade Offer For De’Aaron Fox: 2025 first-round pick (via Jazz), 2025 first-round pick (via 76ers), Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams
The Sacramento Kings wrapped up the 2024 season with a decent 46-36 record, earning the 9th seed in the Western Conference. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t get past the Play-In Tournament. This has led to speculation that the Kings might shake things up to improve their future prospects. Trading De’Aaron Fox for a package of young talent and draft picks could be a smart move for a full rebuild.
In the 2024 season, Fox was impressive, putting up 26.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 48.4% from the field and 33.8% from three. These stats highlight why he’s considered one of the top point guards in the league and why the Thunder are eyeing him.
The trade package the Thunder offer includes promising players and valuable picks. Josh Giddey brings versatility and playmaking skills, while Lu Dort is known for his defense. Kenrich Williams adds depth and experience. Plus, the two first-round picks in 2025 give the Kings options for future moves.
For the Thunder, pairing Fox with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would create a dynamic backcourt. Fox’s speed and scoring ability would mesh well with Shai’s all-around game, making them a formidable duo. Adding Chet Holmgren to the mix, the Thunder would have a young core with serious potential to compete in the Western Conference.
2. Darius Garland
Potential Trade Offer For Darius Garland: 2025 first-round pick (via Jazz), 2025 first-round pick (via 76ers), Josh Giddey, Lu Dort
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 48-34 record, which earned them the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. They made it to the playoffs but were eliminated in the second round by the Boston Celtics. Despite the success, there have been trade rumors surrounding Darius Garland, who had another stellar season.
In 2024, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. He shot 44.1% from the field and 37.1% from three, maintaining his reputation as one of the premier young guards in the league. Josh Giddey, the centerpiece of the proposed trade, also had a productive season for the Thunder, averaging 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. His versatility and playmaking skills make him a highly attractive asset.
Pairing Darius Garland with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would create a super dynamic backcourt for OKC. Garland’s playmaking and scoring abilities perfectly complement Shai’s versatile game, boosting the Thunder’s offensive firepower.
Garland can create his own shot and facilitate for others, which would ease the playmaking load on Shai, allowing him to focus more on scoring. Garland’s shooting would also provide the necessary spacing to let Chet Holmgren operate effectively in the paint, making OKC’s offense more versatile and tough to defend.
On defense, Garland and Shai would be a solid duo. Shai’s length and Garland’s quickness would make it tough for opposing guards to find easy shots. Adding Garland wouldn’t just improve OKC’s current roster; it would elevate their potential to be serious playoff contenders in the Western Conference.
3. Dejounte Murray
Potential Trade Offer For Dejounte Murray: Josh Giddey, Cason Wallace, 2025 first-round pick (via Jazz), 2025 first-round pick (via 76ers), 2026 first-round pick
Dejounte Murray had a standout season with the Atlanta Hawks, putting up 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds over 78 games. Despite his impressive stats, the Hawks struggled, finishing with a 36-46 record and landing in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. This underwhelming performance has fueled trade talks as Atlanta looks to restructure and build a more competitive team.
For the Hawks, the proposed trade offers a promising return. Josh Giddey, with his versatility and high basketball IQ, and Cason Wallace, a young guard with great potential, would be valuable additions. The inclusion of three first-round picks (2025 and 2026) provides Atlanta with significant assets for their rebuild, giving them flexibility and a chance to draft future stars or make further trades.
Bringing Dejounte Murray to Oklahoma City would be a strategic move for the Thunder. Teaming up Murray with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would bring an explosive combination of scoring, defense, and playmaking. Murray’s ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities would complement Shai’s knack for finding the basket and setting up teammates. His defensive prowess would also bolster the Thunder’s backcourt, making them tougher on that end of the floor.
Murray’s arrival would infuse the Thunder with a new level of energy and skill, potentially transforming them into a bigger contender. With his versatility, the Thunder could explore various lineups and strategies, maximizing their young roster’s potential. Adding Murray to the mix, along with emerging star Chet Holmgren, would create a balanced and formidable team poised to make significant strides in the Western Conference.
4. CJ McCollum
Potential Trade Offer For Dejounte Murray: Josh Giddey, Kenrich Williams, 2025 first-round pick (via Jazz), 2026 first-round pick
CJ McCollum had a solid 2024 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 20.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over 66 games. The Pelicans finished the season with a 49-33 record, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, their playoff run was cut short as they were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
For the Pelicans, trading McCollum could be a strategic move to bring in younger talent and valuable draft assets. The proposed trade package from the Thunder includes Josh Giddey, who averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 80 games this season. Giddey’s versatility and playmaking abilities, combined with Kenrich Williams’ defensive skills, make this an attractive offer. The additional first-round picks in 2025 and 2026 provide New Orleans with flexibility for future roster improvements.
Adding McCollum to the Thunder would significantly boost their backcourt. His scoring and veteran presence would complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around game, creating a potent offensive duo. McCollum’s ability to score from various spots on the court and his leadership would provide the Thunder with a reliable offensive weapon. This would allow Shai to focus more on playmaking and defense, balancing the workload between them.
This trade would not only improve OKC’s current lineup but also elevate their playoff potential. McCollum’s experience and scoring ability would be crucial in mentoring younger players and enhancing the team’s overall performance.
5. Anfernee Simons
Potential Trade Offer For Anfernee Simons: Cason Wallace, Ousmane Dieng, Jaylin Williams, 2024 No. 12 overall pick, 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Clippers)
The Portland Trail Blazers are in the midst of a rebuild, focusing on their young core of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Anfernee Simons, who averaged 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 46 games this season, is a talented player but at 24 years old, he is slightly older than the rest of their developing roster. With the Blazers finishing 21-61, the worst record in the Western Conference, and holding the 7th overall pick in the upcoming draft, they are in prime position to capitalize on Simons’ trade value to accumulate more assets for the future.
The proposed trade with the Thunder includes a mix of young talent and valuable draft picks. Cason Wallace, Ousmane Dieng, and Jaylin Williams bring a blend of potential and versatility, while the 2024 No. 12 overall pick, along with future first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, provide Portland with significant flexibility to shape their roster moving forward.
For Oklahoma City, adding Anfernee Simons would be an exciting move. Simons’ dynamic scoring ability and playmaking skills would blend seamlessly with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s versatile game. Unlike previous trades, Simons brings a unique spark as a scorer who can create his own shot, making the Thunder’s offense even more unpredictable and difficult to defend. His presence would allow Shai to play off the ball more, leveraging his strengths as both a scorer and facilitator.
Simons’ ability to score in bunches and stretch the floor with his shooting would open up more space for Shai to operate. Additionally, Simons’ playmaking would take some of the pressure off Shai, enabling him to focus more on his defensive assignments and overall efficiency. This duo could lead to a high-octane offense capable of competing with the best in the league.
6. Fred VanVleet
Potential Trade Offer For Fred VanVleet: Josh Giddey, Kenrich Williams, 2025 first-round pick (via 76ers), 2026 first-round pick
Fred VanVleet had a solid 2024 season with the Houston Rockets, averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds over 73 games. Despite his contributions, the Rockets finished with a 41-41 record, placing them 11th in the Western Conference and out of playoff contention. VanVleet signed a substantial three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets, earning an average of $43.3 million per year. While VanVleet has been a reliable player, his production hasn’t quite matched the hefty contract, leading to speculation that Houston might benefit from moving him.
For the Rockets, trading VanVleet would be a strategic move to shed salary and acquire younger talent and future assets. The proposed trade package from the Thunder includes Josh Giddey, who averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 80 games this season. Along with Kenrich Williams and two future first-round picks, this deal offers Houston the chance to continue their rebuild around a younger core.
Adding VanVleet to the Thunder roster would bring veteran leadership and a steady hand to their backcourt. VanVleet’s experience and playmaking abilities would complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dynamic scoring and versatility. His presence would allow Shai to focus more on his offensive strengths while benefiting from VanVleet’s ability to manage the game and provide defensive tenacity. This combination could create a balanced and effective backcourt for the Thunder, enhancing their chances of competing at a higher level in the Western Conference.
7. D’Angelo Russell
Potential Trade Offer For D’Angelo Russell: (Free Agent – OKC can offer a contract)
D’Angelo Russell had a mixed 2024 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. The Lakers finished the season with a 47-35 record and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Russell has decided to decline his player option, making him a free agent this offseason.
Russell’s current situation with the Lakers has been rocky. While he has had standout games, there have been inconsistencies in his performance, leading to questions about his fit with the team. The Lakers’ unreliable backcourt and their need for more consistent shooting and defense have further complicated his situation.
The Oklahoma City Thunder could offer Russell a fresh start and a lucrative contract, potentially in the range of a three-year, $80 million deal. OKC’s young and dynamic roster would benefit from Russell’s playmaking and scoring abilities. Pairing him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would create an exciting backcourt duo. Russell’s experience and ability to create his own shot would relieve some of the offensive burden from Shai, allowing him to focus more on facilitating and defense.
Russell’s decision to join OKC over returning to the Lakers could be driven by the opportunity to take on a more prominent role and be a key part of an emerging team. With OKC’s strong development program and the potential to be a leader on a young team, Russell could thrive and help push the Thunder into further playoff contention.
