The OKC Thunder have been the breakout team of the year, currently sitting at the 2nd seed in the west. They have one of the youngest rosters in the nba, as well as some of the best trade assets. Although this team is relatively complete, they lack experience, which this trade aims to add.

STARTING LINEUPS AND JUSTIFICATIONS

OKC THUNDER

Chet Holmgren Pascal Siakam Jalen Williams Lu Dort Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Notable bench players - Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, Tre Mann, Jaylin Williams

JUSTIFICATION

This year, Shai has proven he can lead a team to wins. The thunder are a team with great versatility and two way play, however they lack experience. Pascal Siakam is an nba champion all star talent. His ability as a secondary ball handler, scorer, and an elite defender would compliment their starting lineup perfectly. With this trade, the thunder will only trade one player who averages more than 20 minutes per game, and will still have a league leading 33 draft picks. Siakam’s versatility could be what this team needs to take it to the next level, and they can acquire him without breaking the bank. They also get to offload the Bertans contract which is huge going forward.

TORONTO RAPTORS

STARTING LINEUP

Jakob Poeltl Scottie Barnes RJ Barrett Josh Giddey Immanuel Quickley

Notable bench players - Gary Trent, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Chris Boucher, Dennis Schroeder, Jalen McDaniels, Otto Porter Jr

The Anunoby trade told everyone that Toronto was ready to build around rising star Scottie Barnes. This means trading away Siakam. This trade brings in a mix of young players and draft capital for the seasoned star. Josh Giddey’s playmaking is welcome within their lineup, and Aaron Wiggins’ versatility could prove to be valuable. Additionally, the two first round picks should easily be enough to sweeten the pot for Toronto. This blockbuster trade would allow Toronto to finally achieve a much-anticipated reset with fresh assets and players.