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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits on the bench during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum on March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to figure out how to navigate the next few years. After losing in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the Spurs, OKC now has some decisions to make. One year after winning the title, the bill has come due.
If they decide to bring everyone back, their tax bill would increase to be the biggest in NBA history. That would vault them into the second apron of the luxury tax, reducing the flexibility they have to re-tool the roster. They have to find a way to beat Victor Wembanyama, as well.
The Thunder have been linked as a team that could try to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. One massive four-team trade idea from Bleacher Report has Antetokounmpo going elsewhere, but OKC gets a young star in Evan Mobley.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley shoots the ball. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Four-Team Trade Idea Has Thunder Land Evan Mobley
Here is the full trade idea:
Thunder receive:
- Evan Mobley (from Cavaliers)
- 2026 No. 29 (from Cavaliers)
- $28.5 million trade exception (Isaiah Hartenstein)
- $11.3 million trade exception (Isaiah Joe)
Cavaliers receive:
Bucks receive:
- Jalen Williams (from Thunder)
- Isaiah Joe (from Thunder)
- Day’Ron Sharpe (from Nets)
- 2026 No. 17 (from Thunder)
Nets receive:
- Isaiah Hartenstein (from Thunder)
- Aaron Wiggins (from Thunder)
- Sam Merrill (from Cavaliers)
For the Thunder, this trade would see them shed two massive salaries. Jalen Williams’ massive extension is about to kick in. Yet, he hardly played this past season. Williams only played in 33 games in the regular season. He played just 10 minutes against the Spurs in seven games.
Hartenstein has a team option worth $28.5 million this season. Shedding him would allow the team to avoid the second apron and add a huge trade exception. Bringing in Mobley would allow them to have both Chet Holmgren and Mobley together in the frontcourt.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley leaves the court after a game. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Adding Evan Mobley Would Cause Issues for Oklahoma City
This trade idea gives the Thunder a problem in the frontcourt. Having two skinny post guys starting at power forward and center reduces the chances of getting rebounds against teams with bulky frontcourts. Even though Wembanyama isn’t bulky yet, he’s starting to get stronger.
It would make more sense for OKC to get a center or power forward with a little more strength. Perhaps they would just try to get Holmgren and Mobley in the weight room to immediately add some muscle before next season begins to deal with that issue.
The most likely scenario is that the Thunder run it back next season with this current group. Sam Presti has mentioned that the team is not afraid to pay a massive tax bill for one season. They would end up paying around $250 million for next season.
If Oklahoma City does decide to make some moves, it will likely be to shed some salary around the fringes. However, moving Williams does make some sense.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA and College Football for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano