As the 2024 NBA offseason approaches, teams are preparing to make moves and make changes to their rosters. One way to do this is through trades.
After an impressive regular season and a second-round exit in the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to improve their roster. With a surplus of draft picks and $35 million in cap space, they have the resources to make immediate upgrades.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has come up with a trade idea for each of the 30 NBA teams, including the Thunder. In their proposed trade, the Thunder would acquire a scoring guard who can provide a spark off the bench, something they lacked in the postseason.
According to the trade suggestion, the Thunder would send Josh Giddey and their 2024 No. 12 pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons.
This trade appears to be a win-win situation for both teams involved. Giddey will have the opportunity to start fresh and reclaim his role as a playmaker alongside Scoot Henderson. Additionally, the No. 12 pick adds another valuable asset to the Trail Blazers’ rebuilding process.
On the other hand, Simons brings his sharpshooting abilities to the Thunder, providing them with a scorer who can create his own opportunities. At just 24 years old, Simons also fits well with the team’s long-term plans. Last season, he averaged an impressive 22.6 points on 43% shooting, along with 5.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds. His 38.5% shooting from beyond the arc on 8.8 attempts further adds to his value.
Furthermore, Simons is under contract for the next two seasons, earning $53.6 million. This aligns perfectly with the Thunder’s payroll, considering that players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren may soon command high salaries.
Mock trades often prove difficult to materialize in reality, but this particular deal seems to be a solid one that benefits both sides in numerous ways.