When you think of the names on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster that are likely deemed “off the table” when it comes to trades, you’re likely thinking of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Maybe Jalen Williams also fits in that category, but considering he’s the second option on the team, you never know. One name you might not think of immediately is Thunder point guard Cason Wallace, the second-year player out of Kentucky. Considering that the Thunder might enter the splash trade zone over the offseason, a handful of OKC’s younger players would likely be used as trade pieces to haul in a superstar (Kevin Durant, anyone?). However, in Wallace’s case, one popular NBA writer argues that Wallace should be off the table due to his value and worth.
OKC Thunder Guard Regarded Too Valuable to Trade
Thunder Point Guard Cason Wallace Should Never Be Traded, Per The Ringer’s Bill Simmons
Sam Presti is one of, if not the best, GM in the NBA, and his track record of drafting, signing, and trading for players speaks for itself. That said, since the days of Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, to the present with SGA and Williams, Presti and the Thunder have no rings to show for it. Presti is responsible for bringing in the likes of Chris Paul, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and, to a lesser degree but still of value, Serge Ibaka, Victor Oladipo, and Steven Adams. That list includes present and future Hall of Famers, superstars, and significant role players that contributed to much playoff success. Yet, no championships have the Thunder claimed.
When we hear talk of the Thunder possibly going after a superstar in the summer, it’s hard not to look back at Presti’s moves in the past. With SGA at the center of it all now, the Thunder have another shot at going for championships like they did with KD, Westbrook, and Harden. Of course, if Presti were to go after someone big in the summer, it would require moving off some of the current young pieces on the roster. If you ask Bill Simmons, he argues that Wallace will not be, and should not be, one said player. This following his clutch performance in a win over the Boston Celtics this week.
“Wallace made the two dagger shots of the game. Wallace was awesome, and Wallace is one of those guys, like I do the trade value list. It was like, where does this guy go? Because there’s no way they’re trading him. Simmons said on his podcast, The Bill Simmons Podcast [22:58 mark]. “What’s he worth? If somebody’s like, yeah, we’ll do this, ‘we’ll give you this awesome player. Give us back Wallace and some picks’, Presti is gonna go, ‘No thanks, I know what I’m doing. I’m actually gonna keep Wallace. Thanks for your interest.'”
Giant Leap From Year One to Two
Wallace has already cemented a significant milestone to his young NBA resume: he played in all 82 games last season as a rookie. He averaged 20 minutes a night and shot 49.1% from the field, including 41.9% from three. While his points and ancillary stats weren’t high by any means, his efficiency certainly was. Wallace has progressed nicely in the 2024-25 season into a more rounded player. He’s averaging 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists—all increases from last year. It’s obvious he has made a positive jump from rookie to sophomore. From Simmons’s perspective, at least, Wallace is a player the Thunder should attempt to retain long-term.
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