5 Josh Giddey replacements the Thunder should try to acquire this summer
By Tyler Watts
The Oklahoma City Thunder are ahead of schedule. They were building something special, but nobody thought Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company would vault to the top of the Western Conference so quickly. OKC is a top-three team with the youngest starting five in the NBA. They still need pieces to win it all, but the Thunder are a feared and potentially elite team for the next decade.
SGA is a superstar and figures to be in the MVP running for years to come. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have displayed star potential to lift the Thunder back into contention. Lu Dort is the 3-and-D wing every contender needs, and Oklahoma City has a mountain of draft capital to improve their roster moving forward.
If the Thunder want to upgrade, it is likely to add a marquee talent in place of Josh Giddey. They need some size, shooting, and defense in that space to vault firmly into the title picture. Giddey could become precisely that piece if his 3-point shooting continues to improve, but OKC may run out of patience with the 21-year-old. These upgrades likely become available this offseason.
5. Klay Thompson
Klay is set to become a free agent this summer. The Warriors offered him an extension, but Thompson turned it down. He will have to take a pay cut to stay in the Bay Area. How much is he willing to sacrifice?
The Thunder have $101.9 million committed in salaries for the 2024-25 season. They could create $20-plus million to offer him in free agency. Thompson’s defense has slipped in recent years, but he remains an elite shooter with championship experience. Oklahoma City is light on veterans, and Thompson would be valuable in leading their young squad in heated playoff moments.
There is mutual interest between Thompson and the Warriors to get a new contract done. If things break down, the five-time All-Star may explore coming to OKC to be the final piece for the Thunder. The Thunder may choose to trade Josh Giddey for Klay Thompson or just deal him elsewhere to open up a starting role for one of the best shooters in NBA history. Thompson will not be the only difference-maker available.