Chet Holmgren’s Western Conference Finals came to a tough end, finishing with just four points as Oklahoma City fell 111-103 to San Antonio in Game 7.
That performance will not lead the Thunder to give up on him, but it may prompt a closer look at how the team is built, especially in the frontcourt.
According to The Athletic, Oklahoma City are not expected to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, even if the Bucks’ summer becomes the league’s biggest trade storyline. They have another name in mind.
Thunder’s big man interest points towards Evan Mobley
The name linked more closely to the Thunder is Evan Mobley, though Cleveland remain adamant that he is not available, reports The Athletic.
That is notable because if Giannis becomes available, several teams are expected to join the race, with Miami already seen as a strong contender.
Oklahoma City have the assets to get involved, but Holmgren’s struggles against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs suggest they might be looking for a different kind of player.
Mobley offers a unique defensive skill set. He is already seen as a franchise cornerstone in Cleveland, a player the Cavs trust to anchor them for years.
Cavaliers GM Koby Altman has said Mobley is not going anywhere, which makes any Thunder interest more hypothetical than realistic at this stage.
Still, it speaks to the kind of player Oklahoma City might be considering. They may want more size, defensive flexibility and interior balance.
Giannis would grab the headlines, but Mobley might be the answer to a quieter question: how do the Thunder support Holmgren without replacing him?
