OKC Thunder: Bill Simmons ponders on idea of Sam Presti trading SGA

The OKC Thunder are a team that has impressed many to start the 2020-21 season.

Through 24 games played they are 10-14, are constantly revolving in and out of the playoff picture out west, and have managed to attain impressive victories over the likes of the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and Brooklyn Nets — just to name a few.

Though the mindset coming into the year was that of “fade for Cade”, in reference to the Thunder vying for a top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and selecting Oklahoma State standout point guard Cade Cunningham, with their play many have begun to shift away from a longing for a tank and, instead, want to see them compete throughout the season.

According to The Ringer’s sports analyst Bill Simmons, this is General Manager Sam Presti’s “worst nightmare” and, with this, begged the question as to whether the team’s front office should consider making moves to better their chances of missing even as much as the play-in tournament come year’s end to secure themselves a high-end selection in the upcoming draft.

One of his hypothetical scenarios: considering the idea of trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Bill Simmons ponders on the idea of the OKC Thunder trading SGA

"“If you’re [Presti], do you have to think about trading SGA and [Lu] Dort?”"

On the season, Gilgeous-Alexander is posting career-high/ All-Star worthy statistics seeming across the board. In 33.8 minutes a night, the guard is posting averages of 22.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds on 51 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from the field.

To put these numbers into perspective, the only players in league history to match or exceed these numbers over the course of a full season are Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James (factoid courtesy of Forbes writer Tommy Beer).

Now THAT is some company to be in.

With his excellence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the focal point for this overachieving OKC Thunder team all season. Not only this, but the play of Luguentz Dort has also been a major catalyst for their impressive start to the season. In turn, both of these aforementioned facts are the main reasons as to why Simmons has begged such an idea to trade both of them.

"“SGA has single handidly won them five games. Dort is somebody who I think would have real value on the market if they wanted to spin him because he’s on a cheap contract; he’s the exact 3-and-D guy every team wants.”"

He then would go on to bring up the idea of the New Orleans Pelicans making an offer for the duo, citing their bevy of draft picks in which they could entice the Thunder with in a return package.

Luckily, fellow NBA writer Rob Mahoney was there to talk some sense into the matter, pulling on the proverbial reigns attached to Simmons’ insanity.

"“If you’re the Thunder and your house is made of draft picks, are you really going to the store to buy more draft picks” Mahoney questioned. “If I’m the Thunder I’m very comfortable with where we are. They’re one of those teams that’s in a place where it seems like no matter what kind of roster they put together, it turns out competent…”"

Mahoney is absolutely right. At this point in time, the OKC Thunder are sitting on a potential 16 total first-round picks over the next seven years. Truth be told, they should already strongly consider dealing some of them to bring on already-established players, as they simply have too many to have them all make it onto the roster.

Some fans have simply even brought up the idea of packaging some of the bevy of picks they currently have at their disposal, continue on their competitive trajectory, and, come the draft, trade up to land their desired selection.

In virtually zero scenarios should the Thunder realistically consider trading their face of the franchise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Like Simmons’ initials, this proposed idea — be it serious or not — is absolute BS.