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2 trades Knicks could consider for Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Jordanna Clark

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Evan Fournier, Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Evan Fournier, New York Knicks. (Photo by Alonzo Adams/USA TODAY Sports) /

The best SGA trade option for the Knicks

If the Knicks are seriously contemplating trading for Gilgeous-Alexander, this would be the best option for the team.

Although Evan Fournier’s forte is three-point shooting, which is something that New York needs, his inconsistencies and shortcomings on the defensive end of the court have raised red flags with the Knicks signing Jalen Brunson in free agency. His name has been floating around in rumors all offseason, so if he were to be traded to the Thunder, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

However, given OKC’s young roster, Presti may want to stay away from Fournier. Or perhaps the Thunder would try to flip Fournier if he were to be included in a potential deal. New York wouldn’t be set back from losing him, though.

The same could be said about Cam Reddish and Miles McBride, who as mentioned earlier, are going to likely continue to receive a lack of playing time from Tom Thibodeau. Reddish will be due for a new contract at the end of the season, and if he were to be traded, OKC could possibly be willing to invest in him. His first four seasons in the league haven’t gone as hoped, and although he could end up proving himself with the Knicks, Reddish would likely benefit from another change in scenery.

McBride performed well at Summer League, but he’s going to be stashed on the bench once again this season. If the Thunder lose SGA, McBride would be able to step in, and it’s a bonus that he’s only 22.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury history is enough to raise concerns (he’s played in a combined 91 games over the past two seasons). Two days ago, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that SGA has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and will miss the start of training camp. That’s enough to raise more concerns, but the hope is that SGA will be good to go by the start of the season.

All eyes are on RJ Barrett to see if he’ll be able to earn his first All-Star nod in 2022-23, but the same goes for SGA. He’s not at the same level as Donovan Mitchell, but nonetheless, he’s an option that the front office should consider given OKC’s current situation.

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