The Oklahoma City Thunder have already been forced into cost-cutting measures with their roster this offseason, and they could face further problems that should put the Golden State Warriors on immediate alert when it comes to a Chet Holmgren trade.
Holmgren’s form at the end of this year’s playoffs was awful, having been brutally outplayed by San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama during the Western Conference Finals. It places immense pressure on the former second overall pick to respond early next season, otherwise the Thunder may be forced into considering a move that’s already been speculated, and that the Warriors could take advantage of given their cap flexibility.
Warriors should keep eye on Chet Holmgren’s situation in OKC
Oklahoma City already have three players on max contracts in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Holmgren. They’ve just given a three-year, $75 million extension to starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, and young guard Cason Wallace is extension eligible where he’ll likely be asking for $20+ million annually.
The payroll issues -- even after shedding Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe -- has Zach Harper of The Athletic suggesting that the Thunder may need to move on from Holmgren if he can’t respond from a disappointing playoff campaign.
“The second apron is rearing its ugly head with OKC in real time and will continue to do so as long as the Thunder keep that big three together. They might have to make a big-time decision soon. If Holmgren continues to struggle against Victor Wembanyama when it matters most, then maybe that decision becomes easier," Harper wrote.
This is exactly the sort of opportunity the Warriors have set themselves up for. They’ve prioritized having cap space next offseason, but could also use up that space by sending out expiring contracts, and draft assets as required, before February’s mid-season trade deadline.Â
Warriors have path to Chet Holmgren trade if he becomes available
Let’s say things don’t turn around for Holmgren, or that the Thunder would prefer to pay Wallace at a more manageable number going forward. There’s a world in which the Warriors can enter the conversation by offering up Jimmy Butler and picks, or a combination of Draymond Green, picks and Kristaps Porzingis/Moses Moody.
That would offer Oklahoma City some financial relief moving beyond next season. While they're absolutely not going to dump Holmgren for nothing given his talent, the recent Jaylen Brown trade is proof that it might not take as many picks/assets as you'd expect given the 24-year-old is just starting a mammoth five-year, $239.2 million contract.
The Warriors could certainly talk themselves into it given Holmgren's age and the untapped potential that could be realized if he were to get a bigger role outside Oklahoma City. It's the kind of move and player they should be keeping tabs on, giving Golden State the perfect blend of short-term help while holding a long-term outlook.
Add us as a preferred source on Google