5 Pieces Sam Presti should acquire this summer to turn Thunder into title favorites
By Tyler Watts
2. Josh Giddey upgrade
It is way too soon to say what Giddey is as a player. The 21-year-old would be just entering his junior season in college. If he played football, Giddey would be entering the NFL Draft in April or choosing to return for his senior year. His shooting has improved significantly since joining the NBA, and the 21-year-old could blossom into precisely the 6’8 wing Oklahoma City needs.
The Thunder may not want to wait. They are ready to contend now and want to maximize their chances to win with their spending at a reasonable level. Soon, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams will be on max contracts, and their roster will be mighty expensive. Oklahoma City may feel some pressure to make a massive move, and Giddey feels like the pieces they are most willing to give up to improve their starting five.
Playmaking and rebounding become crucial finds if the Thunder trade Giddey. He is tied for second on the team with 4.6 assists per game and is their number-two rebounder with 6.3 each night. Oklahoma City would need another ball-handler and is already one of the worst teams in the league on the glass.
If they decide to part with Josh Giddey, Sam Presti and the front office should be all-in. With their draft capital piling up, the Thunder should make the biggest possible move to boost their championship chances.