5 Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should quietly be recruiting right now

The Oklahoma City Thunder are building something special. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was first-team All-NBA last season, and the 25-year-old is still improving. Chet Holmgren is healthy and looking like a second star. Jalen Williams leads a talented young core that has the Thunder in the thick of the playoff race this season, and OKC has a ton of draft picks if they decide to upgrade their roster.

Sam Presti loves to accumulate assets, but they have more selections than they can make. The Thunder need to go big fish hunting to maximize their draft capital. Oklahoma City is not the most desirable market, but playing next to SGA on an extremely talented roster could interest some of the world’s top talents.

Gilgeous-Alexander has relationships across the league and needs to recruit a star to join him on the Thunder. It won’t be easy, but here are five players he should already be trying to convince.

5. Pascal Siakam

Holmgren is the Thunder’s long-term answer at the five, but they have struggled against teams with elite centers. Oklahoma City may need a bit more size inside to counter the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and 76ers of the league.

Siakam is in the final year of his contract and the trade rumors will only get louder as the Feb. 8 deadline approaches. The two-time All-Star could be on the move and would give the Thunder a 6’8 forward to share the frontcourt with their talented rookie.

Siakam has averaged over 20 points per game for four straight years and is an outstanding playmaker for a big man. He would give the Thunder another go-to scorer and a third star. OKC improves their title odds by adding Pascal Siakam, but his uncertain contract situation makes this move a gamble. The Thunder would need a guarantee that the two-time All-Star is willing to sign a long-term deal to stay.