Oklahoma City struck gold with Cason Wallace, and trading him could prove costly.
Oklahoma City’s young core is widely regarded as one of the best in the NBA, if not the best. The Thunder’s collection of young talent is impressive, and to experience major team success at this rate is unheard of.
story of growth and development is one of the best in league history. He might not be considered young anymore, but he’s still just entering his prime. Bothstill have plenty of room to grow and know qualify as Oklahoma City’s top young talent. Both players have All-Star potential and could be the two players that push the Thunder over the top and to the next level.. If it wasn’t for Holmgren’s historic rookie season, Thunder fans would be preaching of Wallace’s campaign to anyone who would listen. Holmgren’s brilliance overshadowed Wallace’s elite first season in the NBA. As Oklahoma City moves into the summer, they’ll be thrown in every mock trade scenario until the start of the season. Because of the cap space, draft picks, and success, the Thunder will be in the headlines quite a bit — for better or for worse. Because Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams are all untouchable, that could leave Wallace as Oklahoma City’s potential trade piece. The Thunder should refrain from trading the young guard at all costs, though. His potential is even higher than people think. Wallace was a secondary option off the bench in Oklahoma City and had to find a way to fit into a role the Thunder needed. Most rookies taken in the lottery can play free and take volume shots, but Wallace was asked to play a key role on a contending team. He averaged 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists while playing all 82 games. He was named to the All-Rookie first team. Wallace’s defense was on a different level, and it showed in the playoffs. With the Western Conference loaded with young guards that will continue to dominate the league, having a versatile defender like Wallace will be crucial moving forward.and many other names will be a force for the next few years, and Wallace can take on the challenge — just like he did in the playoffs this season. He mastered is secondary role, and clearly has so much more to his game, too. When Oklahoma City gives him the green light and says it’s time, his stock will soar. Wallace is capable of so many things, and the fact that a rookie was able to fit into a specific niche role on the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference speaks volumes. He should be mentioned when talking about the team’s young core moving forward, and he’s not a trade sweetener. Wallace needs to be a priority.Ross is a 2023 Oklahoma University graduate who has formerly written for the OU Daily and Prep Hoops. He now works for the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee and covers OU sports for AllSooners.com. He has been covering the Thunder since the 2019-20 season.
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