With the NBA playoffs in full swing, teams are getting a better understanding of their flaws, weaknesses, and missing links.
With the OKC Thunder facing a 3-2 deficit in the first round, it is clear that they need to make some changes if they are to have any success at the NBA’s highest level of play. A sea of possibilities await the team this offseason, but one deal suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley could be exactly what they need to take a step up in the West.
Chicago Bulls receive: Chris Paul, 2020 No. 25 pick (from DEN via OKC) and 2020 No. 51 pick (from UTA via GSW)
Golden State Warriors receive: Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky and Mike Muscala
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins
Are the Thunder thrilled about the prospect of paying the 35-year-old Paul $41.4 million for next season and covering his $44.2 million player option for 2021-22? Are the Warriors content with owing Wiggins $94.7 million over the next three seasons? Do the new decision-makers in Chicago want to pay LaVine, Young and Satoransky a combined $43 million next season?
Every answer feels iffy enough to think each club would consider a shake-up.
The Warriors get to take Wiggins off the books for some much-needed frontcourt depth in Young and Satoransky. Plus, as owners of the #2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, they have enough assets to grab another (cheaper) wing player to replace Wiggins.
The Dubs might’ve had bigger plans for Wiggins’ contract, but if Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green still constitute a championship core, this club might need depth more than another star. They’ll be lucky if a handful of players from last season’s roster can contribute in a meaningful way to next season’s championship chase. Young, Satoransky and Muscala (who would need to exercise his $2.3 million player option) can all find a niche, and the Dubs still have their pick collection to go star-chasing if they choose.
For the Bulls, they finally fix their point guard problem with the acquisition of CP3. He can provide stable leadership and build a winning culture for the franchise. They also get two future picks, which will help them continue their rebuild.
All-in-all, the trade is certainly worthy of consideration for all sides and it would shake things up in a big way. But whether or not it actually happens is still very much up in the air.
