The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso in 2024, and Sam Presti has to make a similarly bold move this summer. Giddey was the sixth overall pick in 2021 and started 218 of the 220 games he played for the Thunder, including the postseason. He was benched in the playoffs, and OKC wanted Jalen Williams to have the ball move. Presti flipped Giddey for one of the best 3-and-D guards in the NBA. The move just keeps getting better for the Thunder, and it may foreshadow what Presti does this summer.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have extensions kicking in that will push Oklahoma City over the dreaded second apron. They will likely try to shed salary to avoid the penalties. Presti traded James Harden when Harden was 23 years old. He sent Giddey packing after his third NBA season. There are tough calls to make, and it could be another homegrown favorite heading out the door.
Cason Wallace would be the player finishing his third season. He is set to make $7.4 million and will likely be searching for $25 million per year on his next deal. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s extension coming in 2027, the Thunder have to save money somewhere. It will be a choice between cutting one of two homegrown players.
Josh Giddey trade gives Thunder a blueprint to solve financial woes
SGA backed Dort staying in Oklahoma City, but that complicates Wallace’s future. Dort just signed with Klutch Sports and will want a raise off his $17.7 million team option for next season. The Thunder can only stay under the second apron and pay both players by trading one of their stars. Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t going anywhere, so a homegrown standout is.
Presti wants to keep J-Dub and Chet. Does he deal the undrafted gem or the former lottery pick? Dort is the starter and has the backing of SGA. Wallace keeps improving and is only 22 years old. Thunder fans don’t want to see another fan favorite traded, but the financial penalties for being over the second apron make it necessary.
Giddey put up numbers and had a developing 3-point shot during his time in OKC. The 6’7 guard needed the ball to be his most effective. OKC wanted SGA and J-Dub taking over those responsibilities, which made Giddey expendable.
History is repeating itself. Dort and Wallace are plus shooters and elite defenders. Both need to shoot more consistently and make the other a bit redundant. Presti has to make a move, and fans know he will.
It won’t be the only one. Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams are also on the chopping block. The Thunder want to avoid the second apron and upgrade their roster. Their failure to repeat will have the franchise motivated. Sam Presti is never afraid to be bold.
Expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to dust off the Josh Giddey blueprint this summer as they attempt to get under the second apron. A homegrown talent will be traded. Presti has to choose between Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort.
It seemed obvious after the playoffs that Dort must go, but SGA’s stance may change that thinking. Deals are coming, and fans should trust the front office. Presti is one of the all-time best GMs, so he will nail this move just like he did when trading Giddey.
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