The Oklahoma City Thunder are not preparing a trade package for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and have no intention of moving center Chet Holmgren, The Oklahoman’s Joe Mussatto reported over the weekend.
Mussatto noted that executive Sam Presti is open to bold moves but avoids rash decisions. After falling to San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals, Oklahoma City weighed its options but ultimately determined that Antetokounmpo’s recent postseason injury history, his age relative to the Thunder’s young core and the significant salary commitment required made a pursuit impractical. Including forward Jalen Williams was labeled a “non-starter,” and shipping out Holmgren was viewed as disruptive to team chemistry, timeline and future cap flexibility.
Despite playing without Williams and rookie guard Ajay Mitchell for most of the series—and with Holmgren struggling through one of his worst stretches—the Thunder pushed the Spurs to the limit before bowing out, reinforcing the belief inside the organization that only incremental changes are needed this summer.
Thunder brass, stars back Holmgren and Williams
During Sunday’s exit interviews, head coach Mark Daigneault and All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander publicly supported both Holmgren and Williams as they enter the first year of their projected maximum rookie-scale extensions. “Before Chet was here, we weren’t who we are today,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “When he’s the best version of himself, we’re the best version of ourselves … Those guys work way too hard for that not to be the case.”
Roster crunch puts Wiggins, Joe in trade rumors
Guards Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe have surfaced as potential trade pieces as Oklahoma City faces a financial squeeze and a deep roster. Wiggins, whose playoff minutes declined, said, “Nothing is permanent … At the end of the season I wasn’t my best self, but from a team perspective it’s still about being a professional.” Joe echoed the sentiment, adding that while reduced minutes are “frustrating,” players must “find ways to bring energy or bring life to the team.”
Topic reflects on cancer battle
Second-year guard Nikola Topic, who overcame testicular cancer during the 2025-26 season, told reporters he “learned a lot” through the ordeal and believes the experience made him a stronger person and player.
Oklahoma City is expected to explore smaller-scale moves during the offseason but, according to Mussatto, any transaction approaching blockbuster territory remains unlikely.
Source: HoopsRumors
