Sunday Bulletin: Shai Season > Trade Season

Last night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was once again incredible in an easy Thunder (38-9) win, this time annihilating the Kings (24-24) at home. But after leading OKC to an 82-55 game over lead against Sacramento at halftime, Shai gave way to surprise starter star Aaron Wiggins (41 points, 14 boards) in the second half, as Wiggins played like peak Jalen Williams while starting in Williams' absence. SGA rested the fourth quarter while cheering on Wiggins' 14-point extended heat-check to close the game.

I planned on writing an article using Wiggins' outburst as a reminder to check in on the Thunder's depth, Chet Holmgren's looming return, and what a banged up Oklahoma City roster really needs heading toward Thursday's trade deadline.

And then the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers.

RIP: Thunder/Mavericks Rivalry

I've repeated a few times here that the Thunder are most likely to be active in the trade market downstream from the deals being cast around bigger fish like Jimmy Butler and De'Aaron Fox. Those are big fish; Luka is a whale.

I don't know if the Luka/Lakers blockbuster will have immediate ripple effects throughout the trade market. Dallas GM Nico Harrison is talking tough, like all execs do when dealing away talent, and could continue rejiggering the Mavs enough to keep them dangerous in 2025:

“We really feel that defense wins championships, and we think the players that we’re bringing in add to the culture.”
- Nico Harrison

As it stands, Dallas is a lesser contender, and less of a real threat to OKC in the Western Conference.