The OKC Thunder fan base is pretty numb to trade rumors and proposals, but one recent suggestion for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes the cake.
In the NBA, if there are trade rumors swirling around a player on your team that means you have a fairly special player on your hands. This is the situation the Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
A recent piece from SB Nation suggested that the Phoenix Suns trading Jae Crowder could set in motion a larger move for the Suns. The trade in question would send SGA to the Valley in return for some stuff and nothing – Landry Shamet, Cameron Payne, Dario Saric, and two future first-round picks (2023 and 2024).
Why this trade would make no sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder
Okay, a few things; first and foremost this is just banter this is not a real trade that is on the table. SGA may not be a lifer with the Thunder, but if OKC did move the talented guard, the return package would be a much more lucrative deal than this hypothetical offer.
Another, issue with the above suggestion, is a franchise’s own first-round pick cannot be traded in consecutive years.
Moreover, both the Thunder and Suns have their first preseason game in the books now. While, preseason basketball is more of a fun first look at each team, rather than a true indication of what will happen once meaningful games start, it can at times shed light on areas of concern.
The Thunder looked good in their first preseason contest, a win over the Denver Nuggets (who also looked good, especially Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.), and the Suns struggled and ultimately lost to the Adelaide 36ers. Fun fact, about the 36ers, this is Thunder guard Josh Giddey’s former team.
All in all, nobody truly knows how long SGA will be a member of the Thunder, it could be forever, or he could be on the move sooner than anyone realizes. One thing is certain if Oklahoma City ever elects to move the elite guard it will be for one of Sam Presti’s signature home run deals.