- Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and emerging star Josh Giddey, the Thunder have a strong core
- Chet Holmgren’s arrival adds excitement and potential to the roster
- The proposed trade for Siakam and Anunoby could propel the Thunder into serious title contention
The Oklahoma City Thunder, often overshadowed by larger-market teams, have been masterfully constructing a powerhouse roster while remaining in the shadows. Their journey towards future glory began with the dazzling performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose electrifying presence on the court set the stage for what would follow. The rise of Josh Giddey, a young talent who shows every sign of ascending to All-Star status in the upcoming 2023-24 season, further fortified the Thunder’s foundation. As the basketball world eagerly anticipates the debut of Chet Holmgren, a rookie sensation and leading contender for Rookie of the Year, the Thunder could set their sights on making an audacious move that would catapult them into championship contention.
This proposed trade, where OKC would be bringing OG Anunoby on board as their starting small forward and adding Pascal Siakam, a dynamic power forward set to become a free agent in 2024, would reshape the team’s composition and could well be the key to ushering in a new era of excellence for the Thunder. As the Raptors slowly start to rebuild with their younger pieces, trading two of their best players could be a very realistic scenario if they get back solid pieces for the future.
Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors receive: Davis Bertans, Luguentz Dort, Aleksej Pokusevski, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick
Analyzing The Trade For Oklahoma
The addition of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s roster promises a substantial transformation, bolstering both their offensive and defensive capabilities. In the 2022-23 season, Pascal Siakam was nothing short of exceptional, averaging an impressive 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Siakam’s offensive prowess was evident as he shot at a 48% field goal percentage while maintaining a respectable 32.4% from beyond the arc.
His dynamic and versatile playing style makes him a seamless fit alongside emerging stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Beyond scoring, Siakam’s playmaking abilities add a new dimension to the Thunder’s offensive strategy, making him a valuable asset on the court. Defensively, he brings tenacity and adaptability, further enhancing the team’s ability to contest shots and secure rebounds.
Siakam’s offensive prowess was evident as he shot at a 48% field goal percentage while maintaining a respectable 32.4% from beyond the arc. His dynamic and versatile playing style makes him a seamless fit alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, a player who made the All-NBA First Team in the previous season and is likely to be in MVP discussions in 2023-24. SGA, known for his isolation scoring and clutch performances, would find an ideal complement in Siakam’s ability to create scoring opportunities both on and off the ball.
The two players’ pick-and-roll partnership would create endless possibilities, particularly when working with the highly skilled Josh Giddey. Giddey’s knack for finding opportunities on the court, combined with Siakam’s agility and SGA’s scoring prowess, would make them a potent trio in crunch-time situations.
OG Anunoby, with his 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game during the 2022-23 season, emerged as a potent scoring threat. His impressive 47.6% field goal percentage and sharp 37.8% from three-point range solidify his reputation as a reliable offensive contributor. However, Anunoby is not merely an offensive specialist; he brings with him a formidable defensive skill set.
This dual-threat combination is a much-needed asset for the Thunder, who previously ranked 16th in the league with a 114.6 defensive rating and 13th with a 115.1 offensive rating. Anunoby’s presence would significantly strengthen their defense, effectively reducing their opponents’ scoring opportunities and increasing the likelihood of transition baskets.
Anunoby’s proficiency from beyond the arc would further stretch the floor, providing SGA, Siakam, and Giddey with open shooting opportunities. The ascending three-point threat of Giddey would also play a significant role in opening up the court, forcing opponents to respect his shot and creating space for Siakam to exploit driving lanes and scoring opportunities, where if the defense were to crash, the Thunder could rely on Anunoby’s range shooting, as well as Holmgren’s surprising ability to score from deep.
The potential synergy within this new lineup is nothing short of spectacular. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging a staggering 31.4 points per game, and Josh Giddey contributing 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, the addition of Anunoby, Siakam, and Holmgren, who demonstrated his prowess with 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks during the 2023-24 preseason, would turn the Thunder into a formidable force. The offensive options multiply, with playmaking abilities spread throughout the roster, and the Thunder’s scoring capacity receiving a significant boost.
Defensively, the team would undergo a remarkable transformation, as Siakam and Anunoby’s defensive aptitude combines with the shot-blocking prowess of Holmgren. This dynamic trio would offer a formidable defensive front, pressuring opponents, contesting shots, and securing rebounds. The Thunder’s defensive ranking would undoubtedly surge, solidifying their presence as a formidable two-way team capable of contending with the league’s elite.
The trade would not only elevate the Thunder’s championship aspirations but also redefine their playing style. Siakam and Anunoby’s addition ushers in a new era of versatility, where offensive and defensive capabilities intersect seamlessly. The potential of this formidable lineup is a cause for excitement among Thunder fans, as they anticipate a brighter future filled with competitive basketball.
Why Toronto Would Make The Trade
For the Toronto Raptors, trading Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby is not a decision taken lightly. However, there are compelling reasons for this move. The departure of Fred VanVleet, an All-Star-caliber guard, in free agency, left a significant void in their roster. Toronto is committed to building around Scottie Barnes, their 2022 Rookie of the Year, and this trade would set them on a course toward a promising future.
Furthermore, the Raptors would receive a package of young and promising players. Luguentz Dort, a 24-year-old, defensive-style guard averaged 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 74 games in the 2022-23 season. Dort’s scoring and defensive abilities make him a valuable asset with room for further development.
Aleksej Pokusevski, who is only 21 years old showed promise with 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 34 games during the 2022-23 season. His unique skill set as a versatile forward is an exciting prospect for the Raptors, who thrived on making Pascal Siakam, a similar player as Poku, an elite forward who played a big role in the 2019 NBA championship.
In his rookie season, Ousmane Dieng, barely 20 years old and with an intriguing upside, averaged 4.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 39 games in 2022-23. Dieng is a young and athletic forward with potential for growth and the Raptors are well known for developing unknown talent like VanVleet himself.
Jalen Williams had an impressive rookie campaign with 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 75 games during the 2022-23 season. His well-rounded game and contributions on both ends of the floor offer promise for the Raptors’ future at just 22 years of age.
These players provide Toronto with a fresh infusion of young talent, each with their unique strengths and areas for development. Furthermore, the addition of future draft picks, the 2026 and 2028 first-round selections, gives the Raptors flexibility and assets to shape their future and build a competitive team once more.
How Would The Thunder Bench Look Like?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have assembled a bench unit that boasts both talent and potential, providing critical support to the team’s core. This bench lineup features several key contributors who, while not in the starting five, have the ability to make a significant impact on the game.
Vasilije Micic, a proven playmaker with two EuroLeague MVP titles, assumes the role of backup point guard. His experience and court vision make him an essential part of the Thunder’s second unit. Micic’s ability to control the pace of the game and create scoring opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates as well is a valuable asset.
A recent addition to the team, Cason Wallace, drafted from Kentucky with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, brings youthful energy and defensive prowess as the backup shooting guard. His impressive college stats, averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in the NCAA, indicate a bright future as he continues to develop in the NBA.
Aaron Wiggins takes on the role of the backup small forward. He provides scoring, defensive tenacity, and three-point shooting, adding a valuable dimension to the Thunder’s second unit. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the court is an important component of the team’s depth.
As the backup power forward, Kenrich Williams combines experience and athleticism. He’s a versatile player who can impact the game on multiple fronts, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a tenacious defender and a reliable rebounder.
Jaylin Williams brings his youth and shot-blocking abilities to the role of the backup center. As a rookie in the previous season, he showcased his potential by averaging 5.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 49 games. Williams’ mobility and defensive presence in the paint make him a promising prospect for the Thunder.
The combination of experience, youth, scoring, and defensive skills in this bench lineup enhances the team’s overall depth and versatility. Each player brings a unique skill set to the table, ensuring that the Thunder maintain a high level of performance even when their starters take a break.
Could The Thunder Win The Championship With This Lineup?
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Chet Holmgren anchoring the starting lineup, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship prospects are worth serious consideration. As the current reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets boast a formidable trio in Jokic, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., while the Phoenix Suns have assembled an imposing lineup featuring Durant, Booker, and Beal.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks have paired Lillard with Giannis, making them strong contenders. In this competitive landscape, the Thunder’s combination of star power and versatility could certainly position them as championship contenders in the coming seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s All-NBA caliber performance and clutch scoring abilities make him a cornerstone for success. Josh Giddey’s remarkable development suggests that he’s on the cusp of becoming an All-Star-caliber player, and his playmaking skills are a valuable asset. OG Anunoby’s scoring and defensive prowess, paired with Pascal Siakam’s multifaceted game, create a dynamic frontcourt. Chet Holmgren, the highly anticipated rookie, adds shot-blocking and defensive presence.
While it’s a competitive field, the Thunder’s roster possesses a blend of offense and defense, youth and experience, and versatility that can challenge even the most formidable opponents. The potential for this team to win a championship in the near future hinges on how well these pieces mesh, how they adapt to varying game situations, and their ability to peak at the right time. If all these elements align, the Thunder’s path to a championship is certainly within reach.
