Bold prediction! If the Thunder fails to win the championship, it will become the largest supermarket in the league!

Worries about losing the Thunder Finals: The trading wave may be coming

At present, the NBA Finals are in full swing, and the Thunder and the Pacers are fighting for the championship trophy. For the Thunder, this final is of great significance. Whether to win the championship or not is directly related to the team's future direction. Once the championship is missed, the team may start large-scale transactions to alleviate salary pressure, and many key players may be put on the shelves.

Jaylen Williams was the first to be hit. This season, he averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game, and his overall skills are obvious to all. However, due to partial overlap with Alexander's style of play, there is room for improvement in offensive efficiency, which makes his future positioning in the team a bit embarrassing. At the same time, he is eligible to ask for a maximum salary contract of $42.5 million, which has a huge impact on Thunder's salary space. Given its market value, the Thunder will likely exchange him for draft picks or potential new players to accumulate strength for the team's long-term development.

Chet Homgren is equally dangerous. This inside star averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, and is full of deterrence. But the team also has Haltenstein inside, and Homgren's maximum salary renewal needs make it difficult for the team to make a decision based on salary considerations. If a team offers attractive offers, such as a high-quality draft pick or instant player, it will be difficult for the Thunder to remain unmoved.

Kenridge Williams is also likely to become a bargaining chip in trading. His playing time has dropped sharply from 22.8 minutes to 12.9 minutes in the past three seasons. There are many young players in the team and fierce competition in positions. At the age of 30, he is becoming increasingly difficult to allocate his playing time. He has a salary of $6.6 million this season and $7.1 million next season. The relatively appropriate salary makes him attractive in the trading market. The Thunder may trade him to optimize the lineup salary structure.

Recalling in 2012, the Thunder traded Harden due to salary issues, causing the core lineup to fall apart. Now the crossroads of history have reappeared. If the championship cannot be won this season, the Thunder may have no choice but to open the trading door and embark on the road of reconstruction in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes.