The Oklahoma City Thunder are knocking on the door of NBA dominance, and their treasure chest of talent and assets has every rival team on high alert. As the franchise inches closer to championship contention, the trade value of their roster is skyrocketing. But who stands out as the most coveted piece in a potential blockbuster trade? From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s players are in high demand, with one even being in the conversation for NBA’s Best 3-and-D Player. Here’s a look at the five Thunder players who would ignite the fiercest bidding wars if OKC decided to shake things up.
NBA’s Best 3-and-D Player? Why Lu Dort Could Be the League’s Most Wanted
5. Lu Dort – The NBA’s Defensive Nightmare
In today’s NBA, defense is gold. And Lu Dort is pure gold. Dubbed the “Dorture Chamber,” his defensive prowess has made him a name that teams can’t ignore. He’s a 3-and-D player who shot an astounding 39.4% from beyond the arc last season, a massive leap from his early career struggles. At just 25, he’s got time on his side, making him a prime candidate for any team craving a defensive stopper. While his trade value is massive, it’s only a testament to how stacked the Thunder roster is.
4. Cason Wallace – The Rising Star
Only 20, Cason Wallace has already proven he’s more than just potential. With his versatile skill set and deadly 41.9% shooting from three, this kid has the makings of a future All-Star. Unlike Dort, Wallace’s age gives him an edge in trade talks. He’s shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could soon surpass some of his peers. If OKC dangles him in trade negotiations, expect teams to come running.
3. Jalen Williams – The Future Franchise Face
Jalen Williams, known as “J-Dub,” is the kind of player franchises dream of building around. At 23, he’s already an elite shooter (42% from three) and shows incredible versatility as a scorer and defender. Williams is the prototype modern NBA wing—long, skilled, and unafraid of the spotlight. As OKC’s third option, he may not get the star billing now, but his trade value is through the roof.
2. Chet Holmgren – A Seven-Foot Unicorn
How many seven-footers can handle the ball like a guard and protect the rim like a shot-blocking machine? Chet Holmgren is a unicorn in the NBA, and his trade value is astronomical. In his first season, he was already second in the NBA in blocks and scored nearly 17 points per game with 37% shooting from three. If the Thunder were to trade him, every team in the league would scramble to get him, making Holmgren one of the hottest commodities in basketball.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – The MVP in Waiting
It’s no surprise that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tops this list. A legitimate MVP candidate, SGA has been a force to reckon with, securing an All-NBA First Team selection and driving the Thunder toward contention. At 26, he’s entering his prime, and if OKC ever put him on the trade market, there would be a frenzy like never before. But here’s the kicker: OKC won’t trade him. They’d be crazy to.
Comments