The Thunder reportedly trade a prospect from last season following NBA championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off capturing their first NBA championship since adopting the OKC moniker, are turning their focus towards the upcoming season. Spearheading this victorious campaign was a revamped roster that propelled the franchise to unprecedented success.

At the heart of this triumphant roster was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose stellar performance and leadership were pivotal in securing the title. Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive stats and accolades, coupled with his ability to overcome formidable teams in both the Western Conference and the playoffs, have solidified his status as a truly exceptional player.

Adding depth to the Thunder’s lineup was a key prospect from the Washington Wizards, who has been important in pushing the team to the top of the Western Conference standings. However, reports by ESPN’s Shams Charania suggest that Dillon Jones is now on the move, heading to the Washington Wizards.

Charania reported on X, “The Oklahoma City Thunder are trading guard Dillon Jones and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN.” This trade marks a new chapter for both the Thunder and the Wizards, who reportedly acquired CJ McCollum, as they prepare for another thrilling season in the NBA.

Jones’ first season in the NBA

As Jones prepares to return to the team that drafted him last season, his inaugural campaign in the NBA showcased promising potential. Despite limited playing time, Jones participated in 54 games with the Thunder during the regular season.

In three starts, Jones averaged 10.2 minutes per game and contributed 2.5 points on average. While not a central figure for OKC during this period, his participation offered a glimpse into his capabilities on the court.

Jones’ playoff performance echoed his regular-season statistics, playing in 10 games and averaging 4.6 minutes with 2.3 points per game. However, he exhibited efficiency with a perfect free-throw percentage and an 85% shooting success on two-point attempts during his playoff outings.

Wizards’ offseason roster additions

In addition to the potential acquisition of Jones, the Washington Wizards have bolstered their roster with several strategic moves. Reports suggest they acquired veterans CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, which could significantly enhance the team’s dynamic.

Confirmed additions include promising young talents Tre Johnson III, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins, all drafted last week. As Washington continues to shape its roster, these newcomers contribute to a lineup aspiring to compete robustly in the upcoming season. However, further acquisitions may still be on the horizon for the Wizards as they aim to refine their roster composition.