During the video version of his 2022 NBA mock draft following the NBA draft lottery, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor expressed his excitement over the Oklahoma City Thunder selecting Jabari Smith Jr. second overall.
During his analysis, O’Connor added an interest side note about how he doesn’t believe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a guarantee to be on the team for the long run as he thinks Josh Giddey will be.
“I think it’s worth noting as a quick aside here, (Josh) Giddey’s likely there for the long term, that (Shai) Gilgeous-Alexander stuff — he’s already into his second contract. They already had trade talks potentially trying to go for Cade Cunningham last year according to multiple reports. He’s not necessarily a part of the long-term future. Maybe he’s a guy they flip again, but why would you not want to keep Gilgeous-Alexander? He’s just the guy that you’d be open to moving if the deal’s right.”
