Kofi Inkoom
The NBA offseason is never complete without a flurry of trade proposals and speculations, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are no strangers to this trend.
In a recent Bleacher Report analysis, a trade proposal involving the Thunder and the Chicago Bulls emerged, centered around fourth-year power forward Patrick Williams.
While Williams’ addition could be a significant boon to the Thunder’s already promising roster, there’s a lingering concern about the potential cost associated with acquiring his talents.
The Proposed Trade
Chicago Bulls would receive Kenrich Williams, Ousmane Dieng, and a 2026 first-round pick (via the Los Angeles Clippers),
Oklahoma City Thunder would acquire Patrick Williams.
“Oklahoma City is playing the long game with its draft-and-develop strategy,” per Bleacher Report. “And nothing suggests this front office plans to speed things up. So, rather than flipping a chunk of its draft pick collection for a plug-and-play star, the Thunder might be better off investing in a young player who could grow with this nucleus.”
The Thunder have established themselves as a team committed to a long-term strategy of drafting and developing young talent. Rather than pursuing a “plug-and-play” star, they seem inclined to invest in a young player who can grow alongside their current nucleus.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entering his prime, the Thunder’s desire to achieve postseason success to secure his loyalty is evident.
The team has an exciting roster that includes rising star Josh Giddey, 7-foot-1 center Chet Holmgren, and an array of future draft picks.
Patrick Williams’ potential is a significant draw for the Thunder. He has excelled in a three-and-D role but has also shown glimpses of shot creation and playmaking that suggest a higher ceiling down the line.
Patrick Williams days away from game 1 of the regular season 😤😤😤#BullsNation pic.twitter.com/luLxkcTgsO
— Bulls Nation (@BullNationCHI) September 11, 2023
While Williams would undoubtedly enhance the Thunder’s roster, the central question remains: what would it cost to acquire him?
According to Bleacher Report’s proposed trade, the Thunder would part ways with two promising young talents, Dieng and Williams, in addition to a valuable future first-round draft pick. This suggests that the Bulls place a substantial value on Patrick Williams.
Trading away two young talents and a first-round pick for Williams carries an inherent risk. Williams would need to outperform both Dieng and the Thunder’s Williams to justify such a significant investment.
For a team that exceeded expectations in the Western Conference playoffs with a roster not necessarily built for postseason success, this risk might not be justified.
The prospect of Patrick Williams, the Bulls’ power forward, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder is intriguing, but the primary concern lies in the trade’s potential cost, given the Thunder’s long-term development strategy and their promising existing talent.
Only time will reveal whether this trade proposal materializes, adding an element of uncertainty and interest to the NBA trade landscape as the season and training camp approach.