The basketball world has been patiently waiting for the emergence of the Oklahoma City Thunder as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. They took a significant step toward that direction last season by barely missing out on the playoffs behind an All-Star campaign from cornerstone superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
There’s no denying, however, that this young group is still a few years away from really becoming a threat to the title. This could all change this coming season, though, with a little help from Damian Lillard.
Thunder Become Instant Contenders With Damian Lillard in the Mix
With trade talks between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat going nowhere, James Piercey of the NBA Analysis Network has proposed a wild trade scenario that sees Lillard take his talents to Oklahoma City. Below are the details of the deal:
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Victor Oladipo, G/F Josh Giddey, F Kenrich Williams, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G Damian Lillard, F Nassir Little, F Jabari Walker
A backcourt pairing of Damian Lillard and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander immediately gives the Thunder one of the most explosive guard combos in the entire league. Combined, these two averaged 63.6 points per game last season. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more potent offensive backcourt in the league.
Parting ways with Josh Giddey, among others, will be a tough blow for OKC, but they still have enough young studs on the roster with the likes of Jalen Williams and Lu Dort (and now Nassir Little from the Blazers) still in the mix. Oh, and in case you forgot, Chet Holmgren is going to be healthy in 2023-24, too.
Blazers Get the Treasure Trove They’ve Been Longing For
The Thunder have the deepest array of trade assets in the NBA, and they could be the only team out there that is able to meet Portland’s price tag for Lillard. In this trade proposal, OKC gives up a real stud in Josh Giddey, who they can now pair with Scoot Henderson in the backcourt.
Portland will obviously need to rebuild after moving on from Lillard and the three first-round picks they get in this deal will definitely help them in this regard. Alexsej Pokusevski, 21, is also a very intriguing young player who could potentially be on the brink of a breakout season.
One could argue that the Blazers get a far better haul in this deal as opposed to what the Heat may have on the table.
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