Sam Vecenie of The Athletic recently sparked intriguing speculation on his Game Theory Podcast regarding the Washington Wizards’ potential interest in Josh Giddey, should the Oklahoma City Thunder decide to put him on the trading block this summer.
Vecenie’s insight is particularly noteworthy given the background of Washington’s general manager, Will Dawkins, who played a significant role in drafting Giddey during his tenure with the Thunder. This connection could influence Washington’s pursuit of the talented young player.
Vecenie proposes a modest valuation for Giddey, suggesting that Oklahoma City might only expect to receive the Wizards’ No. 26 pick in the upcoming draft along with a future second-round pick in return.
He elaborates, “That feels like it is about the price point, to be honest with you, for where Giddey is right now and where the playoffs ended with him. This feels like a reasonable offer for Giddey.”
This assessment reflects Giddey’s current market value, particularly after a challenging playoff performance.
Giddey, who has been a starter since his rookie season, faced difficulties during the second-round series against Dallas. Averaging just 12.6 minutes per game, his shooting percentages were disappointing, hitting only 43.2% from the field and a mere 18.8% from beyond the arc.
The Mavericks exploited his shooting struggles, which has raised questions about his long-term fit with the Thunder. With Giddey becoming extension-eligible this summer, Oklahoma City may consider trading him to avoid adding another long-term salary to their roster, which is already brimming with young talent.
In other news from the Northwest Division, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hinted at potential draft strategies during his appearance on the Jim Rome Show.
Malone acknowledged ongoing discussions about trading their 28th pick, highlighting the team’s need for additional shooting depth. Despite boasting the league’s best starting five, Malone expressed concerns about overworking this group, signaling a desire to bolster their bench strength.
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post provides further insight into the Nuggets’ draft considerations. According to various mock drafts, Denver might target players like Dayton center DaRon Holmes II, praised for his versatility, rim protection, and floor spacing abilities.
Other potential picks include Duke center Kyle Filipowski, Indiana forward Kel’el Ware, Creighton wing Baylor Scheierman, and California wing Jaylon Tyson. These prospects reflect the Nuggets’ strategic focus on enhancing both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, Michael Rand of the Star-Tribune delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the Timberwolves’ offseason plans.
The critical question facing the team is whether to maintain their current roster core or to pursue significant changes through trades. This decision will likely shape the team’s future trajectory and competitiveness in the highly competitive Western Conference.
