The Oklahoma City Thunder (11-6) are off to their best start in recent memory and are just two games out of first place in the Western Conference.
Much of OKC’s fast start can be credited to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. The guard-big duo have played like two of the best players in the league.
After an All-NBA season last year, Gilgeous-Alexander has picked up right where he left off. He is averaging 30.5 points on 53.8% shooting, six rebounds and 6.1 assists.
Holmgren has headlined this year’s rookie class with averages of 17.9 points, eight rebounds and 2.2 blocks.
With the Thunder looking to be one of the better teams in the Western Conference, an NBA executive told HoopsHype he believes they could go all in this season and make some win-now moves prior to the trade deadline.
“Chet Holmgren is a stud, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top-five or top-10 guy in the league,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “They’re in line for a top-four seed and homecourt advantage in the playoffs. They can win a series. They have every pick in the world and contracts of all sizes. They can get anyone they want.”
In the article, NBA insider Michael Scotto suggested OKC has the salaries to create a trade package for someone making a lofty salary this season.
“Armed with a treasure chest of future draft picks, young talent, and movable contracts, several executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe the Thunder have the best assets to acquire any player in the league and could look to make a trade, given Oklahoma City’s hot start to the season.”
In all likelihood, the Thunder will stand pat for this year’s trade deadline. OKC has historically seldom made large in-season moves. As Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in his preseason presser, OKC will wait to see what it has with its young core before making any major roster moves.
