The Toronto Raptors are reportedly “closely monitoring” the situation of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in case the Oklahoma City Thunder guard asks for a trade. Gilgeous-Alexander is in the first year of a five-year, $179.3 million contract he signed in August 2021.
The Thunder were hoping for a marked improvement in 2022-23 after taking Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 pick in June’s draft. However, they are possibly in for another disappointing season after losing Chet Holmgren to injury.
Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to miss much, if not all, of the preseason while recovering from a knee injury. His status for the beginning of the regular season remains unclear. In any case, with SGA entering the most productive years of his career, he might seek a change of scenery.
If that’s the case, then the Toronto Raptors will be ready to make a move for the Canadian point guard, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN. The Raptors have managed to stay competitive despite undergoing their full-scale roster renovation.
Lewenberg’s report noted there has been no indication Gilgeous-Alexander is dissatisfied in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, SGA told Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic that the Thunder will return to winning habits soon.
“I don’t think we’re gonna be losing for much longer, so it’s not like I signed up to lose or anything. I believe in this team.Believe in the players we have on this team, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”
Toronto finished 48-34 in 2021-22, and it appears that they found their own young player to build their future around in Scottie Barnes. As a result, Masai Ujiri put together a mix of young and veteran players.
