Will they take an NBA legend’s advice and trade for a superstar?

Recognized as one of the NBA’s top general managers, Sam Presti has quietly built a juggernaut in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a consistent MVP candidate, Jalen Williams could be the steal of his draft class, and the roster’s combination of youth and depth presents challenges for league foes.

Yet, the most exciting part of Thunder’s current situation is none of these factors. Instead, Presti’s well known ability to stockpile draft capital leaves the team’s future bright. But, Presti can’t actually use all of those draft picks, right? At this moment in, Oklahoma City owns 16 first round selections between 2025-2031, with an additional 17 second rounders.

Five of those 16 first-round picks are in 2025, while six of 17 second rounders will take effect in 2029. Tied to the hip of several teams in the league, OKC’s elected to sit back and wait patiently for an opportunity to strike gold. The uncertainty remains for when Oklahoma City may pull the plug on a blockbuster trade.

NBA legend sparks conversation with hypothetical OKC trade for Giannis

On a recent episode of ‘Ticket & The Truth’, Hall of Famer Paul Pierce sat down with former teammate and Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, where Pierce highlighted an insane trade scenario for the OKC. With continuous rumors regarding Giannis and the Bucks, Milwaukee has maintained its stance of retaining its superstar despite a slow start to the season. However, Giannis could force his way out of Milwaukee with a trade request. A motivated winner, the ‘Greek Freak’ wants to compete for titles.

In this scenario, OKC would willingly trade its emerging star, Chet Holmgren, and potentially any number of picks for the Greek Freak. A move of this magnitude would reset Milwaukee’s long-term future, but also pinpoint the Thunder as a title favorite each and every season.

Oklahoma City would likely have a significant number of draft picks and financial flexibility still available to them, making them the league’s most stable team.

The chances of Giannis Antetokounmpo going to the Thunder is higher than expected.

A Thunder trade for Giannis almost feels too easy for Oklahoma City to pull off. As a second-apron team, the Bucks will have to find more creative ways of improving its cap space, which could surprisingly include Giannis and his $49 million salary.

A three-year, $175 million contract extension starts next season for Antetokounmpo, who will make $54 million in 2025-26. Oklahoma City’s core is (mostly) signed long-term, and bringing in Antetokounmpo would extend its championship window.

For context, Mikal Bridges was traded to New York from Brooklyn in a trade package that included five first round picks, a future pick swap, and a future second round pick. With such a long list of draft picks at his disposal, Sam Presti could completely shift the league’s balance by acquiring Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee.

Adding Giannis to an already established core of SGA, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Cason Wallace, among others, could create a dynastic situation for OKC.

Already one of the NBA’s best teams, a trade for Giannis could feel like Kevin Durant to Golden State back in 2016 all over again. Will Oklahoma City be able to pull it off, or can Milwaukee find a way to keep its frustrated franchise cornerstone happy?