ESPN Report Points to Possible Thunder Trade of Williams or Holmgren

Second apron pressure could push Oklahoma City to move Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren, with Golden State seen as a potential landing spot.

Oklahoma City Thunder forwards Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have emerged as possible trade candidates because of the team's long-term payroll situation, according to a report by ESPN's Ben Golliver.

Golliver reported that the Thunder, who kept their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren through a series of cap-clearing trades this summer, face additional financial pressure next offseason. Gilgeous-Alexander's salary rises sharply in the 2027-28 season, which could force Oklahoma City to trim its supporting cast or consider trading Williams or Holmgren.

The report suggested the Thunder could pursue a deal similar in structure to the 2012 James Harden trade in order to preserve depth around their remaining stars.

The Golden State Warriors have been raised as a potential destination. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are all on contracts expiring after this season, which would give Golden State the cap flexibility to absorb a larger salary. Young players Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody, along with the Warriors' 2030 draft picks, are cited as assets that could interest Oklahoma City.

Williams dealt with injuries last season and missed the Game 7 loss to San Antonio that eliminated the Thunder, while Holmgren struggled in that series against Victor Wembanyama.