Should the Raptors Trade for Chet Holmgren?

Chet Holmgren’s abysmal performance in the Western Conference finals has raised questions about his future with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder’s seemingly inevitable dynasty has been derailed in only its second year, and that could lead to some uncharacteristically brash moves from Sam Presti. 

A Holmgren trade is one avenue Presti could explore, with the Thunder on course to be deep into the second apron. Local reporters suggest Oklahoma City is looking to keep Holmgren and Jalen Williams, but if the All-Star is available, could the Toronto Raptors be in the mix? 

Will the Toronto Raptors Trade for Chet Holmgren?

It is unlikely the Raptors will trade for Holmgren. As it stands, the Thunder seem keen to retain their star big man, and Toronto’s attentions this offseason are likely focused elsewhere. 

Still, Holmgren’s mix of rim protection and outside shooting could be invaluable for the Raptors. It’s the sort of acquisition that would have a major impact on the basketball betting markets at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

What Would it Take to Trade for Holmgren?

The Thunder would be looking for pieces that can help them in 2026-27 if they trade Holmgren. Oklahoma City’s aim would be to create some financial flexibility. 

Collin Murray-Boyles would be the centrepiece of a Holmgren trade, and could immediately contribute to the Thunder. Multiple first-round picks would obviously be required. To get to the matching salary, a third team would probably need to be involved, as the Thunder would have no interest in taking on Jakob Poeltl or Brandon Ingram’s contracts. 

The Brooklyn Nets could facilitate the deal. If Brooklyn took Poeltl and Gradey Dick, the Thunder could acquire Nic Claxton and Murray-Boyles to revamp its frontcourt rotation, with the Raptors receiving Holmgren. Brooklyn would get assets to continue its rebuild, and the Thunder would add yet more draft picks to its war chest. 

A more complicated option is if the Raptors and Thunder work out a Holmgren deal that also sees Oklahoma City acquire Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans. 

The Pels will be looking for a haul. They could get that with picks from the Raptors and Thunder, with Toronto landing Herb Jones to play next to Holmgren, Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram. 

In this hypothetical three-team trade, the Raptors would also get Kevon Looney for salary-matching purposes. Looney would provide additional frontcourt depth with Murray-Boyles and Poeltl going out the door.

RJ Barrett’s expiring deal creates financial flexibility for the Pelicans and could become a trade asset with contenders looking for two-way wings. New Orleans, having given up the eighth pick in this year’s draft in the extraordinary Derik Queen trade, would get the 12th pick from the Thunder and multiple firsts from the Raptors.