OKC Thunder Shouldn’t Join The Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Sweepstakes

BusinessSportsMoneyOKC Thunder Shouldn’t Join The Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade SweepstakesByBryan Toporek,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bryan Toporek covers the NBA for Forbes Sports.Follow AuthorJun 01, 2026, 12:28pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 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)Getty ImagesThe Oklahoma City Thunder's attempt to become the NBA's first repeat champion since 2017-18 came crashing down Saturday when the San Antonio Spurs beat them in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs are now headed on to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, while the Thunder's season is over one round earlier than expected.The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama and their swarming backcourt to thank for that.Thunder big man Chet Holmgren finished as the runner-up to Wembanyama in the Defensive Player of the Year race and earned both his first All-Star and first All-NBA nods this season. He was fresh off averaging 20.0 points on 60.8% shooting, 9.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.Wembanyama caused him to go missing in action for most of the conference finals. In the seven-game series, Holmgren averaged only 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. Wemby averaged 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. He kicked off the series with a historic 41-point, 24-rebound night, while Holmgren never h...