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The Oklahoma City Thunder began the Western Conference Finals on a sour note, losing a heartbreaker to the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs at the Paycom Center on Monday night.
In a game that took two overtimes to decide, San Antonio won the execution battle in crunch time and walked away with a 122-115 win. While the series is far from over, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes that if Oklahoma City fails to turn things around, they should swing a blockbuster trade for a Milwaukee Bucks two-time MVP and 10-time All-Star.
“In the event that Oklahoma City gets knocked off this postseason, primarily because of Chet Holmgren, who is due for a huge raise – he’s making $13 million now, and his new salary kicks in at $41 million next season,” Smith said Tuesday.
“What if I told you Oklahoma City would be willing to move Holmgren and one of those young guys – whether it’s Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, or someone else?”
“If anybody can afford to give up rotation players, it’s Oklahoma City. Add in two first-round picks and two second-round picks for Giannis Antetokounmpo – what would you say to that?”
How many opponents would have a realistic shot of containing an Antetokounmpo-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander duo regularly? Antetokounmpo’s freight train-like slashing ability/effortless finishing combined with Gilgeous-Alexander’s mid-range shooting brilliance and clutch late-game playmaking would make for a near-unstoppable tandem in Oklahoma City.
As talented as Holmgren is, he’s yet to add the muscle necessary to be a defensive bruiser in the low post and become a more effective finisher around the rim. Antetokounmpo doesn’t share the same issue, making him a clear upgrade in every way imaginable.
Would the Bucks and Thunder be able to reach an agreement that benefits both organizations? The answer to that question is unknown, but there’s no question that a Holmgren-Antetokounmpo offseason swap is a solid concept.
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