NBA trade news 2024: Thunder guard Josh Giddey’s future, Andrew Gaze predicts move for star Boomer

Australian great Andrew Gaze has made an ominous call regarding the immediate NBA future of star Boomers guard Josh Giddey – on a day when fellow Aussie Ben Simmons shone.

SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 14: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 14, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Josh Giddey has looked like he is just “getting a good cardio workout” at stages this NBA season, prompting Australian great Andrew Gaze to declare that Giddey could be traded.

Giddey’s role in a talented Oklahoma City Thunder side has significantly changed this season following the continued rise of guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williams.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams are ball-dominant players and scorers, which has forced Giddey to play a more off-the-ball role this season.

It’s also impacted his court time, with his minutes per game dropping to 24.9 from 31.2 the previous season.

Giddey has regressed in every statistical category this season, barring a slight improvement in his three-point percentage from 32.5 to 33.1.

According to Gaze, the guard’s slide is largely due to his reduced court time and the minutes in which he has the ball in his hands.

Josh Giddey’s been given a reduced role in the Thunder offence this year. Photo: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images.

He believes this has made it harder for the rising Australian to move away from the ball-dominant role he has become accustomed to playing.

It’s why Gaze, based on the current structure and style of the OKC line-up and the salary cap with a host of stars set to command big dollars, could see a time when Giddey is traded.

The likes of Gilgeous-Alexander and generational big man Chet Holmgren are destined to earn max contracts, which will only add pressure on the Thunder’s cap.

“I think it’s a realistic prospect, not just for the playing reasons, but also the economics of the situation,” Gaze said about Giddey, who had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 19 minutes in a loss to Minnesota on Tuesday.

“Chet is going to be a max player, you’ve got Shai and Jalen Williams who can shoot.

“The Thunder is trying to surround this core with shooters, and while Josh is getting better at that, it becomes harder when he isn’t getting the ball as much.

“He is playing more off the ball – and with his skillset – it probably isn’t the best situation for him right now.

“He can’t get the same statistical return when you don’t have the same opportunities. I watched one of his games and he was just getting a good cardio workout. He wasn’t really involved too much, so it’s going to be an interesting period that he goes through.”

The NBA trade deadline is February 8 (US time) and teams have until 3pm (ET) that day to finalise the paperwork.

Yahoo Sports Senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer recently said he expects rival teams to contact the Thunder about Giddey ahead of the trade deadline.

Andrew Gaze can see a future where the OKC Thunder trade Josh Giddey. Photo: Michael Klein

Fisher explained the Australian could be in the firing line for a trade given he is yet to become a viable three-point shooter in the backcourt alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.

Giddey’s predicament was on show in the defeat to the Timberwolves.

He shot 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, while he only played 19 minutes compared to the core of Gilgeous-Alexander (38 mins), Holmgren (32 mins) and Williams (33 mins).

At this stage, no move for Giddey has been made, and it’s unlikely given the NBA is yet to conclude its investigation into claims the guard had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Whether a trade comes in the February window or at a later date, Gaze believes the Thunder will be transparent with the 21-year-old Australian.

“I don’t think it will be the sort of thing where he wakes up one day and is told he will be traded,” he said.

“I think they’ll make sure it is done in collaboration, not just saying pack your bags, and you are off to wherever.”

Meanwhile, fellow Australian Ben Simmons excelled in his first NBA game for almost three months on Tuesday.

Simmons hasn’t played since November 6 due to a back injury, but you wouldn’t have known as he piled on 10 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists and zero turnovers in 18 minutes in Brooklyn’s 147-114 win over Utah.

He checked in midway through the first quarter and immediately set up a three in transition, before creating multiple second chance shots.

Ben Simmons had an excellent return from injury. Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images.

The Melbourne-born guard had six assists in four minutes and helped the Nets surge to a 36-20 lead late in the first quarter.

Simmons is yet to play for Australia at a major tournament, but Gaze would like to see this change at the Paris Olympics.

He believes the Brooklyn star is the game changer who could help solve the Boomers’ “significant” defensive flaws from last year’s failed World Cup campaign.

“Ben hasn’t been that productive in the last couple of years because of his health issues and other challenges, but at his best and what he can do on the defensive end, he would be an asset,” he said.

“He is a unique type of guy with what he can bring to the table.

“It will come down to Ben and where he is at with his physical and mental health, and if everything is OK, I think playing in Paris would be good for him and the Boomers.”

BOOMERS 2024 PARIS OLYMPIC WATCH:

JOSH GIDDEY’S SLIDE:

2022/2023:

16.6 pts, 7.9rbs, 6.2 assists, 48.2% FG, 32.5%3P and 31.2 mins

2023/2024:

11.6pts, 6.3rbs, 4.6 assists, 45.5% FG, 33.1%3P and 24.9 mins

BEN SIMMONS BACK WITH A BANG:

First game in almost three months. 10 pts, 8 rebounds, 11 assists and 0 turnovers in 18 minutes in a win.

Originally published as NBA trade news 2024: Thunder guard Josh Giddey’s future, Andrew Gaze predicts move for star Boomer