Insider Names Thunder’s $48 Million Champion Guard as Potential Trade Candidate
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 NBA season in unfamiliar yet thrilling territory — as defending champions. For the first time in more than a decade, the Thunder hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy last June, capping off a breakthrough year that saw their young core blossom into one of the league’s most dominant units.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cementing himself as an MVP-caliber star, Jalen Williams emerging as a two-way force, and Chet Holmgren fulfilling his promise as a defensive anchor, Oklahoma City’s future looks as bright as its present. Add to that a deep supporting cast, one of the NBA’s most respected coaches in Mark Daigneault, and a stockpile of draft assets, and it’s no surprise that oddsmakers have already pegged the Thunder as favorites to repeat.
Yet, in true NBA fashion, even dynastic momentum cannot escape trade speculation.
Isaiah Joe’s Name Surfaces
This week, Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico sparked conversation by naming Isaiah Joe — the Thunder’s sharpshooting guard — as a potential trade candidate. The suggestion caught many fans by surprise given Joe’s contributions during Oklahoma City’s championship run, where his clutch shooting and floor-spacing proved invaluable.
Joe, 25, is entering the heart of his prime and is signed to a team-friendly contract worth $48 million over several years. Known for his efficient three-point shooting and ability to energize the offense off the bench, Joe provided the Thunder with versatility throughout the playoffs. His ability to open driving lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, while punishing defenders who dared to collapse on Holmgren in the paint, made him a perfect fit in Daigneault’s system.
Despite this, Amico noted that if the Thunder were pressed to make a move, Joe could be the logical name to surface.
“It’s hard to envision the reigning champs doing a single thing. They’re set for the now (loads of talent) and the future (loads of draft picks). But this list requires us to pick someone, so we’re gonna go with Isaiah Joe. Nothing personal, buddy,” Amico wrote.
Why Joe Could Be the Odd Man Out
Oklahoma City’s depth is both a blessing and a challenge. With Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Josh Giddey, Cason Wallace, and the long-awaited return of Nikola Topić from an ACL injury, the Thunder are stacked in the backcourt. Minutes will be precious, and while Joe’s shooting is a premium skill, roster balance could force the front office into tough decisions.
General manager Sam Presti has never been afraid of bold moves. With a mountain of draft capital at his disposal, Presti could package young players and picks in pursuit of another star if the opportunity arises. In that scenario, Joe — valuable but not untouchable — might become part of the deal.
Why a Trade Still Feels Unlikely
For now, however, the odds of Joe being traded remain slim. The Thunder’s front office knows the value of continuity, especially for a team aiming to repeat as champions. Chemistry, familiarity, and role stability are often overlooked elements of title defense, and Joe embodies the type of glue-guy player every contender needs.
His manageable contract also makes him a cost-efficient asset — the kind of deal teams try to hold onto rather than ship away. Unless Oklahoma City is faced with a can’t-miss trade scenario, Joe’s shooting, leadership, and playoff poise seem too valuable to part with.
The Bigger Picture
The Thunder’s current dilemma isn’t about finding ways to improve — it’s about resisting the temptation to fix what isn’t broken. With one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, a championship banner freshly raised, and a young core still developing, Oklahoma City is playing from a position of strength rarely seen in today’s league.
Speculation around Isaiah Joe underscores just how airtight the Thunder’s roster truly is. Analysts and insiders are left nitpicking at role players because the core is untouchable and the team’s direction is clear.
Whether Joe stays in Oklahoma City for the long haul or eventually becomes a piece in a blockbuster deal, his role in the Thunder’s rise is undeniable. For now, he remains a trusted weapon — a floor-spacer, a big-shot maker, and a reminder that championship teams are built not just on superstars, but on the reliability of players who embrace their role.
As the Thunder begin their title defense, one thing is clear: Isaiah Joe’s presence, whether as a starter or sixth man, will continue to carry championship weight until proven otherwise.
