Yes, you're reading that right. Another seemingly bullshit trade, but this thought will eventually grow onto you, I'm sure.

If there's a team that is now a) in a title window, b) going to be in contention for more years than everyone else, and c) has the flexibility, justification, and risk capacity to pull off a huge fitting bet, it's going to be no other than OKC.

And if there's a team that's a) on pace for their fifth straight ~.500 year, b) can't trade their three starters due to absurd contracts, c) eagerly needs to be bad and desperate to see the 2025 draft as their rare legitimate shot at an effective catapult rebuild, d) won't be able to center good players around whoever young they have right now, we know it's Chicago.

BANKING ON GROWTH: OKC Triples Down, Forms Deadly 3-Guard Scoring Combo; CHI Sells Out For Overwhelming Value

OKC Receives: Coby White, Jevon Carter

CHI Receives: Cason Wallace, Kenrich Williams, 2025 MIA FRP, 2025 HOU/LAC FRP, 2028 DAL FRP, 2026 OKC SRP, 2026 DAL/PHI SRP

OKC just finished first in the west, made the second-round, pushing six games, somehow kept the core, improved its defense, and signed the best center in free agency. This year is definitely an expected jump from an already surprising season, but the league isn't meant to just aim for progress but rather the top.

The Thunder are a well-built roster, but it still has its undeniable flaws. The lack of individual scoring skill outside of SGA and JDub is concerning, alongside versatile outside shooters, off-ball players who can also substitute as ball handlers, and offensive facets that can never go missing in championship teams. The team's concept of offense is generational, but it lacks genuine halfcourt creation. And no, Chet is not yet that level of a scorer.

Needing to offensively boost its starting core, OKC has beyond the needed warchest to hunt for another player who can best complement, substitute, and compensate for bad nights from its best players. The fear for short-lived offensive prowess from said target player may make a decision a panic trade, but the growing desperation and acceptance from people associated with the Bulls have already been convinced of no real sign of hope of being bad enough this year through next year, making an MIP candidate guard on the best contract in the league potentially available on a value that can only be going higher especially if given a competent system and a comfortable role, hence making a now-overpay a sensible bet by farming more good seasons and providing an undeniable offer on the next eligible contract extension.

With all mentioned, the Thunder should be at an aggressive hunt for Coby White, as he is a one-of-one asset currently in the league that the Thunder can be the only team being entertained for potential availability. The Bulls should be looking for an overpay, and that is what OKC can exactly provide. First-round picks should be less valuable in OKC's perspective now, with Joe and Wiggins getting respective extensions making it harder for these prospects to possibly crack the rotation, which is a seen problem for even second-team all-rookie Cason Wallace in the upcoming season. Others could argue about Dort being the better expendable instead, but Chicago would like to pry on a potentially better all-around player while the Thunder can live with their starter who has worked for them for years already.

In his case for MIP last season, White averaged 36.1 MPG and led the Bulls to a 15-10 stretch averaging 22.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, and 5.6 RPG on 47.5% FG and 41.2% 3FG. White has proven to be a capable and winning offensive initiator especially in the Bulls' 5-out setup (although, with Vucevic). White can significantly relieve offensive workload from OKC's current two-man punch while being arguably potentially the best three-point threat as well, with 46% of his shots coming from downtown, making him transition very effectively onto 3-guard lineups with SGA and JDub. The greater factor in this is that the offensive setup can also work vice versa, as Coby can work either assisted (270 in '23-'24) or unassisted (271 in '23-'24). Coby also ranked 12th (62%) amongst guards with 4+ restricted area FGA in RA FG%, which might be impressive until you know that JDub (70%) and SGA (69%) rank first and second respectively in the category, highlighting the effectiveness that can only be further boosted with White in OKC's system.

Carter is added to the trade to fill OKC's gap of an experienced third string point guard and a sweetener for the Bulls by clearing part of their cap sheet by taking on Carter for at least a year before Caruso's extension kicks in.

White is a great contract for the Thunder to invest in currently that can allow them to endure rather euphoric problems by having more max contract caliber players peaking at the same times if the likely best case scenario clicks for the hypothetical team.

White's two years of $12M each will be what makes this trade more expensive yet still worth the bet for the Thunder, potentially two superb seasons without needing to enter the luxury tax. (laughs at the Suns, laughs at the Wolves, laughs at the Nuggets)

OKC POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUP:

White - Gilgeous-Alexander - Jalen Williams - Holmgren - Hartenstein