Injury shock for Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a heavy double blow on Sunday night. Jalen Williams suffered a fractured left fibula and a dislocated ankle. Cason Wallace suffered a labrum tear. The Thunder have not ruled either player out for the season, but both face long recoveries.
The injuries have forced rival front offices to talk about what general manager Sam Presti might do next. Some league executives think the Thunder should make a trade to maximize star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is 28 years old. Other executives think there is no need to rush because his prime window is long.
Looking back at history
History suggests Oklahoma City will remain calm. In the 2014 and 2015 season, Kevin Durant had three foot surgeries and played just 27 games, while Russell Westbrook missed 15 games. The Thunder chose not to make panic trades. They won 45 games and missed the playoffs by a single game, then won 55 games the next year and reached the conference finals.
If Presti decides to look for help, rival executives have pointed to New Orleans Pelicans wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. However, deals for either player carry financial challenges. Murphy makes 27 million dollars this season and is owed 60 million dollars over the next two years. Pelicans sources also want multiple first round picks for him. Jones makes 14.9 million dollars this season before a three year extension worth 67.6 million dollars kicks in.
Long term payroll concerns
The Thunder already have a projected payroll over 500 million dollars including luxury tax for the 2027 and 2028 season. Extending young guard Ajay Mitchell, who is currently on a 2.8 million dollar option, could push that figure toward 600 million dollars.
Trades rarely happen before December 15 in the NBA. Presti has historically avoided quick fixes, preferring long term planning over short term moves.
Predictions for these teams
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