Grade the trade: Proposed 3-team blockbuster sees Hawks 'end failed experiment'

Thunder land front-court depth, shooting, draft capital in proposed 3-team deal (Zach Collins, Garrison Mathews, 2030 first-round pick)

The Thunder would most benefit financially from this hypothetical scenario. Giddey has been passed as the face of the franchise both now with MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and in the future with Holmgren.

Jalen Williams has even passed Giddey on the Thunder’s totem pole.

Adding to matters, Giddey is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Thunder (or the Hawks in this scenario) would have final say with Giddey a restricted free agent next summer.

Collins is a serviceable big that can even knock down the occasional three. And Matthews came out of nowhere to finish fourth in the league in three-point efficiency, connecting on 44% of his deep looks.

The Thunder don’t need draft capital. 

In fact, they are running out of roster spots after successful drafts in recent years. But the pick they’d receive (while unclear who sent it) is far enough in the future to still be beneficial.

If there is a drawback, it’s that Collins is on the books for $18 million in 2025-26. But that is still a year away from the Thunder having any significant financial concerns as far as paying players big contracts.

Grade – B: This trade would add nearly $4 million to the Thunder’s bottom line in 2024-25. But it clears up their conundrum with Giddey, adds useful players, and draft capital.