Thunder Have No Plans to Trade Chet Holmgren
thunder-wont-trade-chet-holmgren
Oklahoma City has ruled out moving Chet Holmgren despite his uneven showing in last month’s Western Conference Finals, league sources told reporter Jake Fischer.
The 7-foot-1 center averaged 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks during the seven-game series against San Antonio, including just four points and four boards in Game 7 while being overshadowed by Spurs rookie star Victor Wembanyama. Even so, executives maintain Holmgren remains a core piece of the Thunder’s long-term plans.
Holmgren will begin the first season of a five-year maximum extension in 2026-27 after earning First-Team All-Defense honors this year. Team officials view his rim protection and three-point range as assets that would be difficult to replicate on the trade market.
Other roster decisions looming
The Thunder must determine whether to pick up team options on Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort and Kenrich Williams before the new league year begins. Oklahoma City is also exploring deals involving draft capital; the club holds selections No. 12, No. 17 and No. 37 in this month’s draft. Moving role players such as Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins is being discussed as a way to stay below the NBA’s second tax apron, according to Fischer.
Unlikely to pursue Antetokounmpo
Despite possessing significant assets, Oklahoma City is viewed around the league as an unlikely bidder for Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo. General manager Sam Presti is not expected to sacrifice multiple young players and draft picks for a 30-year-old superstar. Milwaukee is believed to be considering trade scenarios for Antetokounmpo ahead of the draft after public comments in early May by Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam hinted at that timeline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
