Despite understanding that the NBA is a business, Jalen Williams admits that the Thunder’s trade of Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls “really does suck.”
Earlier this summer, the reigning top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder made a splashy move that arguably improved their core.
In late June, Sam Presti and company decided to trade Josh Giddey, a 2021 lottery pick and key member of the club’s young foundation, to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran 3-and-D wing Alex Caruso.
The trade, which some have labeled a “A++++++” decision, has widely been viewed as a huge success for Oklahoma City, as they were able to move on from the talented, albeit ill-fitting point guard who is entering the final year of his rookie contract in exchange for an established NBA Champion who has established himself as one of the league’s best role players during his professional career.
However, even though the blockbuster made logical sense for the Thunder, this sentiment has not made Giddey’s loss an easy reality to accept for his former teammates and, more importantly, friends, as Jalen Williams recently opened up to Thunderous Intentions about his thoughts on the entire exchange.
Jalen Williams reveals thoughts on Thunder trading Josh Giddey
“Our team has a unique relationship and particular chemistry that goes beyond basketball. So, if someone on our team is moved, dismissed, or whatever, we understand that it’s business, but it sucks… Josh had a lot going on this year as well, so I think someone his age going through all of that and still being able to play, you know, I kind of have to tip my hat to him for being able to do that. I believe that as a team, we wanted to be there for him and were. It ached to see him go through that deal, but at the end of the day, it’s a business… We’re pleased for him to take that next step, but it was difficult to watch someone move away, as if they were a family member. We’ll stay in touch, but we’re rooting for him and hoping for future success.”
The Thunder selected Giddey and Williams in consecutive selections, with the former at sixth overall in 2021 and the latter at 12 in 2022. Throughout their careers, they ascended through the ranks together and even competed in the 2023 NBA Rising Stars exhibition as teammates.
Williams has been an outspoken supporter of Giddey throughout his career, particularly this season, when the point guard struggled with off-court difficulties and on-court inconsistency. His praise-filled commentary on his now-former teammate appears to be continuing, as he believes that, in addition to OKC bringing in a top-tier player in Alex Caruso, the Bulls also landed one.
“I believe the Bulls are acquiring another outstanding talent. It’s a place where Josh can restart and grow. I don’t anticipate anything less than success for Josh. He’s a fantastic person, a great dude, and an excellent basketball player. The Bulls would be delighted to have him. [I’m] just waiting for him to bloom and improve as a player. I think everyone forgets he’s only 21, therefore he still has a long future ahead of him.
Josh Giddey distribution center 🫡 pic.twitter.com/wZj2WdSYQ6
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 26, 2023
Despite the instability that came in both his game and his personal life last season, the third-year pro still managed to finish with solid per-game averages of 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 47.5 percent shooting from the floor, and, during the final 22 games of the regular season, he managed to find a groove reminiscent of his sophomore breakout, as he dropped 15.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 54.2 percent shooting from the floor and 36.6 percent
Giddey, who has the physique of a modern-day wing (6-foot-8, 216 pounds) but the skill set of a genuine floor general, arrives in Chicago with the tools he needs to succeed while leading an offense that already includes veteran All-Stars Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic.
Because of this, while J-Dub may acknowledge to being sad to see his friend leave the Thunder, knowing his potential as a player and seeing the circumstances he’ll be in with the Bulls, it appears that he’s more excited to see what’s next for the very versatile talent.
