The Oklahoma City Thunder's championship defense came to a screeching halt Wednesday night, falling 111-103 to the San Antonio Spurs in a decisive Game 7. While back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did everything he could, the supporting cast—especially All-Star center Chet Holmgren—failed to deliver when it mattered most. Now, a leading NBA insider is urging the Thunder to make a bold move: trade Holmgren.
Holmgren, the 7-foot-1 big man who was expected to be a defensive anchor and offensive threat, was held to just four points on two shot attempts in the loss. His lack of production was glaring, especially as the Thunder needed a second option to complement Gilgeous-Alexander. Guard Cason Wallace hit some big shots, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Spurs' balanced attack.
Speaking on The Kevin O'Connor Show, longtime analyst Tom Haberstroh didn't mince words. “I would trade Chet Holmgren to move up to get Cam Boozer,” Haberstroh said. “I think he’s a better player, better prospect, he’s stronger, better playmaker. He’s not the rim-protector that Chet Holmgren is.”
Haberstroh pointed to Boozer's all-around game as a better fit for the modern NBA, especially against the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama. “In terms of shooting, playmaking, strength, size… that is the prototype that you’re going to want to have on your team going against Wembanyama where you have a second playmaker, a guy that can shoot, spread the floor, pull you out and he’s got the size to play at the five. I’m such a believer in Cam Boozer’s upside,” he explained.
The timing of this suggestion is no coincidence. The Thunder's elimination has already sparked fan outrage over Wembanyama's tactics, and now the front office faces tough questions about the roster's construction. Holmgren's struggles in Game 7 have intensified scrutiny, but it's worth noting that his poor performance may not define his entire career. However, with the Spurs suddenly looking like a powerhouse, OKC's championship window may require immediate upgrades.
Haberstroh's proposal would involve a trade that nets the Thunder a high draft pick to select Boozer, Duke's star freshman. The Duke product is known for his strength, shooting, and playmaking—qualities that could complement Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace. While Holmgren is a superior rim protector, Boozer's versatility might be a better weapon against a team like San Antonio.
Off the court, Holmgren has received support from his girlfriend Emilia Scarlett, who publicly backed him after the tough loss. But in the cold calculus of NBA roster-building, sentiment rarely wins championships.
The Thunder's front office has a history of bold moves, and this offseason could be their most pivotal yet. Trading a 24-year-old All-Star center is risky, but the reward—a potential cornerstone in Boozer—might be too tempting to ignore. As the Spurs celebrate their victory, OKC must decide whether Holmgren is part of their future or a trade chip to reclaim contention.
