NBA Rumors: OKC Thunder Reportedly Unloading Veteran Shooter In Trade

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is slowly becoming a picture of what the future holds for Oklahoma City. The second-year man has been going ballistic for the city since being traded from LA last summer as part of the deal that made Paul George a Clipper. Just last Monday, Gilgeous-Alexander had himself a career night after he went berserk and denotated for a 20-20-10 stat line – his first-ever triple-double. If it is any indication, then the Thunder’s future is surely in good hands.

That said, General Manager Sam Presti might decide to assemble a revamp in his team as the NBA trade deadline draws closer. As their direction points towards building a core around younger legs, it was speculated that the Thunder might unload veterans Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Danilo Gallinari according to a prior report.

Certain factors, however, could affect the deal from reaching a consummation. Case on point, Paul’s three-year, $124.1 million massive remaining deal could be too overwhelming for other clubs to match. The 34-year-old has also proven to be an effective commander for a team nobody expected to contend this year following the departure of Russell Westbrook.

CP3’s name inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena’s home dugout should stay, as Greg Swartz of the Bleacher Report predicts, so as the city darling Adams who remains as the team’s most dominant inside presence.

That leaves Gallinari alone in the talks as shopping him for another squad seems to be the most feasible move for Presti to make.

The Italian deadeye shooter, who is on the last year of his $22.6 million contract, is said to be a perfect fit for the Portland Trail Blazers who are still in dire need of a reliable player at the wing spot. As Swartz said, “Portland needs help at the forward positions, and Gallinari gives them a 6'10" floor-spacer that can play either spot.”

There are no signs that the Thunder will resign Gallinari in the off-season; hence, a swap deal with another team could not be more ideal for the franchise.

“If the Thunder aren't willing to commit sizable money to him this summer (they shouldn’t be), trading him for something now would be the smart play,” Swarts added.