Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Sixers trade framework #2
If OKC wants to go the more traditional route and simply kick the can further down the road, this kind of trade could work out. Other teams would surely cast bids, and it may take more on the Sixers’ part — sorry to all my Matisse Thybulle folks, but… — but this basic framework provides enough intrigue to keep OKC on the phone.
The Thunder would get two young guards in Tyrese Maxey and Shake Milton, the first of whom flashed serious upside in the postseason. Maxey’s work ethic and willpower would fit hand-in-glove with OKC’s great development staff, and Shake Milton could use a change of scenery to relocate his scorer’s touch.
At least two unprotected picks would make any team perk up, and the Thunder are notoriously invested in the pick game. That 2027 pick is especially juicy, assuming it’s left unprotected. A lot can happen between now and 2027, and the Sixers’ best player has never been known for his durability.
Even so, this is a trade the Sixers would, ideally, say yes to in a heartbeat. Gilgeous-Alexander puts the right on the championship map again, especially if Ben Simmons can stick around. The Sixers would still have Simmons to offer up in other deals, and a juicy combination of Simmons and Gilgeous-Alexander should Portland come calling with Damian Lillard.
If this is how the dice fall, the Sixers would be extremely fortunate.