Victor Wembanyama’s most bitter rival may hit the trade block if rumors are true

After making it past his arch rival in the NBA playoffs, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama may be the reason why he gets traded. Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren pulled off a vanishing act during the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs.

That's led to speculation about his future in OKC. In fact, The Athletic's Zach Harper recently suggested that the Thunder may move on from Holmgren if he doesn't bounce back from his playoff flameout.

That might seem reactionary given that he was one of the best defensive players in the NBA last season. Yet it's clear that he struggles against Wembanyama and the Spurs

Had it not been for Wembanyama meeting the NBA's 65-game minimum, Holmgren probably would've won Defensive Player of the Year. Despite that, San Antonio looked unfazed and attacked him defensively during the Western Conference Finals.

Offensively, he wasn't much better. He settled for jump shots and failed to take advantage of being defended by smaller players such as Devin Vassell.

Chet Holmgren may eventually be traded thanks to Victor Wembanyama

It wasn't just his Western Conference Finals performance. Holmgren also played terribly during the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The only difference is that the Thunder won that series. It wasn't due to Holmgren, though, with him being a tire fire offensively against Indy.

With the Spurs having toppled OKC a total of eight times last season, it's entirely believable that OKC may be open to trading Holmgren. Especially with Wembanyama seemingly living rent-free in Holmgren's head.

Remember, he eats up 25% of their salary cap over the next four seasons. Combine that with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, and that's 80% of their salary cap to three players. If one of them isn't living up to expectations, then they almost have to move on from them sooner than later.

Thunder GM Sam Presti isn't afraid to make bold trades, think James Harden. If he can trade Harden, then Holmgren should be looking over his shoulder. He's already disappointed in two major playoff series and frankly looks shook whenever Wembanyama is anywhere near him.

Would the Thunder really trade Chet Holmgren?

The Wembanyama problem isn't going away for Holmgren and the Thunder. Actually, it may get much worse. Wembanyama is still improving on both ends and still has a ways to go before reaching his ceiling.

If Holmgren can't handle him now, what's going to change between now and a couple of years from now? That doesn't even factor in Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, both of whom have future all-stars written all over them.

If the Thunder fail to win it all next season and Holmgren practically no-shows in another big series, he could very well be traded. After all, the second apron unfortunately encourages good teams to make cost-cutting moves.

Trading him for three good players and multiple firsts would be the ideal way for OKC to stay under the second apron and make big moves down the road. If that happens, then Wembanyama's work against his hated rival will be complete.

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