Thunder not desperate, but big trade may make sense

The Thunder are far from desperate. They’re 5-2 and coming off a road win over the Cavaliers. And as long as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the court, good things are likely to happen.

After all, the man single-handedly lit up the Cavs for 43 points on Monday. Still, you have to wonder if the current lineup is sustainable.

Jalen Williams is likely out for the season after a gruesome ankle/foot injury. Cason Wallace is going to miss lots of time, potentially also the season, following shoulder surgery. Chet Holmgren is out eight-to-10 weeks with a knee injury.

That’s three regular starters. While SGA has plenty still around him, and Mark Daigneault may be the NBA’s best coach … well, at some point, you’re gonna need your main guys. Otherwise, you may have to think about getting some new main guys.

That was the idea floated by longtime NBA reporter/personality Zach Lowe of The Ringer. Basically, Lowe floated the idea that perhaps OKC could (and should) make a win-now trade.

“We can still make something of this season with a really dramatic win-now trade, like for a big player or two big players, and it would require us sending out a big salary,” Lowe said, via NBA Base. “Maybe it’s Jalen Williams’ salary… Maybe it’s Isaiah Hartenstein… maybe we combine like a Thomas Sorber plus Kenrich Williams plus something else, get up to like $20 million and bring back a player that’s worth that amount of money.”

Lowe, as always, makes a strong point. That said, the Thunder are already winning now. But the big picture? Could be a different story.

With teams such as the defending Western Conference champion Spurs, the Lakers, the Rockets, the Timberwolves, the revamped Blazers, and the suddenly rising Grizzlies, the West is far from easy street. 

The Thunder know this, and at some point, Lowe’s suggestion may be more than just an everyday idea on a podcast.