The Oklahoma City Thunder have no interest in trading (subscription required) Chet Holmgren, according to Jake Fischer. He went as far as to say “sources insist that trading Holmgren is not part of the plan” and called most of the chatter “fueled by fan fiction”. Oklahoma City has to make moves to dodge the second apron, but Sam Presti isn’t parting with Chet.
This confirms what Tim MacMahon reported after the Thunder's playoff exit. The 24-year-old just finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and made third-team All-NBA. He is elite, despite his playoff struggles. The Thunder could only trade him for a star, and Sam Presti doesn’t want to get older and less flexible.
Holmgren is about to start a five-year max contract worth $239.2 million. He will be making 25 percent of the salary cap. Jalen Williams has the same max deal kicking in that projects to push OKC over the second apron. Presti has moves to make this summer, but trading Chet isn’t one of them.
The Thunder are not trading Chet Holmgren
Chet’s struggles in the Western Conference Finals put his future in the spotlight. He averaged just 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 29.9 minutes of action. Those stats were even more problematic with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell missing time. Holmgren took just 7.3 shots per game and looked timid against Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs are OKC’s biggest rival, which forces up difficult questions. Holmgren is elite against the other 28 teams, but can the Thunder get the same production against Wemby? The 7’4 superstar presents unique challenges, and the franchise has to give Chet another chance to prove this was a fluke.
The Thunder already have 15 players under contract and two first-round draft picks to add to their roster. Presti needs to clear roster space and save money this offseason. The futures of Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams are in question. Fans have been trying to add Chet to that list, but Presti isn’t doing it.
The Thunder want this core to become a dynasty. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said it best when talking about Holmgren’s impact.
“We need Chet. We just need Chet Holmgren. Before Chet was here, we didn’t have the success we’ve had today. When he’s the best version of himself, we are the best version of ourselves, and that is no secret.”
Fans may not love to hear that, but it is the truth. The Thunder need Holmgren’s defense, scoring, and rebounding. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim is unique. Chet is the type of player a contender builds around. Trading him would be foolish.
Sam Presti never panics and rarely messes up a crucial move. His desire to keep Holmgren should speak volumes. One of the best team-builders in NBA history thinks Chet is a star and will bounce back from his struggles in the Western Conference Finals. That should give supporters faith.
The Oklahoma City Thunder do not plan to trade Chet Holmgren this offseason. They want to keep building around him, SGA, and J-Dub. Their roster is about to get a lot more expensive, but Presti has a plan in place. He will keep using his draft picks to refresh the supporting cast. Presti believes OKC is a dynasty with Holmgren as a centerpiece. That should be all fans need to hear.
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