A rising payroll puts the Oklahoma City Thunder in the frame as a potential trade partner for the Golden State Warriors, but their growing injury concerns add a complication that may be too difficult to overcome.
Along with likely season-ending injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, the Thunder will be without star big man Chet Holmgren for eight to 10 weeks after undergoing treatment for a small patellar tendon tear on Friday.
Chet Holmgren injury complicates Warriors' potential trade pursuit
Holmgren's future has been a source of speculation dating back to last season's playoffs where his performances dwindled, and his overall impact drastically declined against the San Antonio Spurs during the Western Conference Finals.
Combine that with the Thunder's growing payroll moving forward -- particularly after signing Wallace to a five-year, $135 million extension -- and something may have to give with Holmgren or another big name player on their roster.
In contrast to Golden State who are desperately looking for a big man amid Kristaps Porzingis' ongoing absence, Oklahoma City are loaded in that department. Along with their financial situation, Aday Mara's development could also make the Thunder more willing to explore a Holmgren move as the 24-year-old has just begun a five-year, $239 million contract.
But as appealing as Holmgren may be to a team like the Warriors, his injury throws a curveball to both sides if they were to actually engage in trade conversations before the February mid-season deadline.
Warriors unlikely to take risk on Chet Holmgren after injury
There's already concerns over whether Holmgren's on-court production and impact is worth nearly $50 million per season after what happened during the playoffs, let alone new injury issues that come with a player of his frame.
Would the Warriors be willing to take the risk? At the right price sure, but not when the Thunder would surely be asking for multiple first-round picks to part ways with a player of such talent and who is still incredibly young.
Holmgren had made another somewhat quiet start to the season before the injury, averaging 12.0 points and 9.3 rebounds on just 40.7% shooting from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range. What the Thunder do with their roster given the payroll and amid a disastrous injury situation will be fascinating, particularly for a team like the Warriors who are primed with expiring contracts and draft capital to potentially take advantage of such a situation.
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