The Oklahoma City Thunder have risen to the NBA elite rank this season, with the most effective document within the league beneath MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With its high-scoring offense and stingy protection, OKC has emerged as one of the crucial well-rounded groups lately.
But success is pricey—in additional methods than one. While the OKC is gearing up for future rookie extensions of younger stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the staff could quickly be compelled to make tough decisions. That could go away the door open for groups such because the Chicago Bulls to step in.
Isaiah Joe Attracting Trade Rumors as OKC Experiences Salary Issues
One title inflicting pleasure is Isaiah Joe. According to Athlon Sports, the lethal taking pictures guard has been a quiet contributor as one of many league’s prime bench scorers and ground spacers. With three years remaining on his current contract, together with a team-friendly $11.3 million possibility in 2026-27, Joe is an inexpensive commodity with rising worth.
Joe is averaging greater than two made three-pointers per sport with a 41.2% splash charge since becoming a member of OKC’s rotation within the 2022–23 season. Throw in his gritty protection, and he isn’t solely a shooter — he is a successful asset.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley identified Joe’s potential slot in a system like Chicago’s, notably with Josh Giddey:
“Isaiah Joe ranks favorably among the best spacers in basketball. Since becoming a rotation regular in 2022-23, he has averaged 2.2 triples with a 41.2 percent splash rate. And he provides all that net-shredding while also being a competent and pesky player at the defensive end.”
Chicago Bulls Target Upgrade with Elite Perimeter Shooting
The Chicago Bulls, sitting close to .500, may need an opportunity at Joe if the Thunder begin prioritizing monetary flexibility. Joe’s taking pictures would combine completely into Chicago’s system, which has been lacking regular outdoors threats.
Alongside Giddey, who loves having stable shooters round him, Joe may give the Bulls’ offense a lift and provide a core piece to assist get away of mediocrity.
Can the Thunder Maintain Their Core?
OKC’s entrance workplace, headed up by GM Sam Presti, is confronted for the primary time with a significant problem on this new period. With the rise within the NBA wage cap, there may be optimism that the Thunder can maintain their younger stars shut whereas retaining function gamers corresponding to Joe.
But as Buckley factors out, OKC can discover a “cheaper version” of Joe. If trying to find a substitute for draft picks is the answer, the staff might capitalize on this chance as a substitute of retaining high-salaried function gamers.
Thunder’s Draft Assets Provide Leeway, But Trade Rumors Intensify
The Thunder have one of many richest conflict chests of draft capital in NBA historical past. That will get them positioned to make massive trades or pursue prime free brokers, however it additionally means making tough choices about who stays and who goes.
Isaiah Joe is probably not the biggest title within the franchise, however his expertise stage and value level make him the sort of prospect that groups just like the Bulls covet to get wealthy in an costly market.
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