The Oklahoma City Thunder have a bunch of talented youngsters on their roster. However, they may inevitably have to let go of some of them soon due to financial constraints, and many point to Josh Giddey as one of their top trade candidates.
Following their second-round elimination at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Anthony Slater released a new article for The Athletic. There, he explained why trading Josh Giddey is something the Oklahoma City Thunder may have to consider trading.
“The Thunder don’t necessarily have to decide on Giddey’s future this summer, but the urgency is rising. Next season, he will make a reasonable $8.3 million in the final year of his rookie deal. But he’s extension eligible this summer, which is typically long-term decision time on players,” Slater wrote.
“If they go searching for a veteran upgrade, Giddey profiles as a trade candidate if the Thunder compiled a package built around a chunk of their valuable first-rounders. That includes the 12th overall pick in June’s draft, obtained from the Rockets,” he concluded.
After a robust 2022-23 regular season, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game on 48.2 percent shooting from the field, Giddey’s numbers dipped to 12.3 points 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on 47.5 percent shooting from the field.
Giddey saw his role reduced in the playoffs, particularly in the second round against the Dallas Mavericks. In 10 playoff games, the Aussie averaged 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest.
Josh Giddey opens up on getting benched by the Oklahoma City Thunder
After averaging 26.5 minutes per game in the first round against the New Orleans Pelicans, Josh Giddey’s minutes shrank to 12.7 minutes per game, as the Oklahoma City Thunder gave Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe more playing time.
“Obviously I was struggling. Coach did what he thought was best for the team. To be honest, I probably agree with him,” Giddey admitted.
“As hard as it is to sit there and say, I should be on the bench, at the time, Cason, Isaiah, Wiggs, these guys were probably better in the series for Dallas,” he added.