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The NBA Finals start on Wednesday night, coming after a must-watch seven-game series in the Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder were stunned by the San Antonio Spurs.
In the series, Chet Holmgren didn’t have his best stuff and didn’t play like his usual self. During his exit press conference, Holmgren acknowledged he would be going back to the film to see what he needs to work on.
“I have to dive into the tape to understand the specifics of it, but a part of it, I was getting closed out heavily and just being out of rhythm at times. I feel like there were definitely opportunities to get more attempts up that I didn't in the moment. That's an area to improve," Holmgren said.
However, some have not taken his struggles lightly. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recently went off and believes the Thunder should trade Holmgren for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“In a perfect world, this would’ve been the last game Chet Holmgren plays in an Oklahoma City Thunder uniform. He should be traded the second you have an opportunity to get a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Smith said. “You need a productive offensive player on your front line who you can rely upon.”
If OKC were to seriously consider this type of move, the Bucks are reportedly open to listening to offers for their franchise star.
“Sources tell me that the Milwaukee Bucks are fully open for business on trade calls and offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.
Antetokounmpo would be unfair with the Thunder, especially alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The nearly seven-footer would bring elite experience, and the defensive pairing with Alex Caruso would also become lethal.
Antetokounmpo is currently on a $186 million contract. Smith might be onto something, as this would be a major upgrade while costing less than Holmgren is projected to make long-term. This is the type of move that could give the Thunder an edge over the Spurs for years to come.
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