With the Oklahoma City Thunder losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA playoffs, the team has some tough decisions to make. First and foremost: what are they going to do with forward Josh Giddey?
There was a time when Giddey was one of the Thunder’s most intriguing players. But while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (a top-two MVP candidate), Jalen Williams (a fringe All-Star candidate) and Chet Holmgren (a top-two Rookie of the Year candidate) have starred in the playoffs, 2024, it is Giddey who seems about to leave.
Selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Australian basketball product edged out Franz Wagner, Alperen Şengün, Jalen Johnson and several other quality youngsters. And in his rookie year, Giddey started all 54 games he played, averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds. The versatile 6-foot-8 wing, who can play every position on the court except center, improved in his second year, starting all 76 games he played and averaging 16.6 points, 6.2 assists and 7.9 rebounds. But now, in his third year, he appears to have taken a step back.
While he started all 80 of his games this year, his averages dropped to 12.3 points, 4.8 assists and 6.4 rebounds. And his minutes fell from 31.5 as a rookie and 31.1 as a second-year player to 25.1 this season. The most important reason is that he is not (yet) a three-point shooter, so when SGA is in the game and does his skillful yo-yo moves with the ball, Giddey obstructs the ball. he lane or cannot space the floor. In this way, Giddey is more like Ben Simmons than Manu Ginobili. The worst thing for Giddey is that in this year’s playoffs he plays only 19 minutes per game and averages 9.4 points, 2.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds.
With each match, it seems like he just doesn’t support SGA and the rest of the team. Maybe if he took a page from Ginobili’s book and came off the bench as the second unit orchestrator, maybe that would solve his problems. But that would require a sense of acceptance and teamwork. A sense of chemistry. But Giddey doesn’t seem to have that with his Thunder teammates these days. When the team wins and everyone gathers for the postgame interview, sometimes Giddey isn’t in the group. barking with the boys. Maybe that’s anecdotal. But what’s not is that he has regularly lost his spot in the starting five during the second halves of the games (and even to start some games too).
Even worse is the affair that took place earlier this year when Giddey was accused of sleeping with a minor. In January the news came out that he would not face chargesbut that has not gotten him off the hook during away games, with many crowds booing him as soon as he touches the ball. Even if OKC wants to trade Giddey, this situation will likely make it more difficult for the Thunder to move him (or get the kind of return they would like).
The 21-year-old still has one year left on his rookie contract after this season, which should give many teams flexibility to take on his salary and see if he fits their city and organization. It certainly seems like Giddey could use a fresh start. Let’s examine some possible landing spots for Giddey.
TORONTO RAPTOR
The Toronto Raptors get: Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder get: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk
Analysis: This trade works in the summer once Gordon Hayward’s contract is off the books for OKC. The Thunder acquired the forward earlier this year to help with salary cap flexibility, so they may not actually be looking to take on more money. But Brown only has one more year left on his contract, and Olynyk only has two years left (after agreeing to an extension). Both players would help OKC improve its only weakness: rebounding. And Giddy would provide a much-needed spark and playmaking for a lackluster Raptors team.
BROOKLYN NETWORKS
The Brooklyn Nets get: Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder gets: Nic Claxton (sign and trade)
Analysis: Brooklyn, even more than Toronto, is the most boring team in the NBA. So, could they use a straight-haired Aussie who can pick up the pace? Sure! Could Giddey help create Mikal Bridges? You bet. The ironic part of this trade, which would require center Nic Claxton to participate in a sign-and-trade deal, is that Giddey and fellow Australian Simmons would be reunited for a year. But it would all be worth it for Brooklyn to get its act together and for OKC to get help.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando Magic gets: Josh Giddey, Kenrich Williams
Oklahoma City Thunder get: Wendell Carter Jr.
Analysis: Carter Jr. looks like the perfect OKC player. He can start, come off the bench and just do whatever the franchise needs. He is a winning player, but not one who demands a lot of touches. He could push Chet to forward or back him up, depending on the matchup. And Giddey would give the Magic a lead ballhandler and help clear up the chaos at guard. He could start Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac. And while that’s not a lot of knockdowns, Giddey is shooting 37.5% from deep in these playoffs. So maybe there is hope for him to improve there too.
PHOENIX SUNS
Just kidding, Phoenix has nothing to trade.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
The San Antonio Spurs get: Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder get: Tre Jones, No. 8 pick in 2024
Analysis: If the conservative Spurs are willing to deal with Giddey’s recent off-the-court issues, this is a perfect fit. Giddey would fit well in San Antonio alongside franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama, who is desperate for a ball-handler who can throw him a pass from the wing. Giddey can push the pace on a rebound or off the line. And if OKC got Tre Jones back into the deal, he’s the kind of bench point guard the Thunder need. He adds the No. 8 pick in a weak draft and, well, he can write it off now! (The Thunder could also bring back Zach Collins instead of Jones, if they prefer.)
