The Lakers are pursuing role players from the Thunder, while the Thunder are pursuing LeBron James. With this lineup, they could already be crowned champions.

Yesterday, the Thunder were eliminated by the Spurs, ending their title defense. Consequently, the NBA has had a unique champion every year for eight straight seasons starting from 2019: the Raptors in 2019, Lakers in 2020, Bucks in 2021, Warriors in 2022, Nuggets in 2023, Celtics in 2024, Thunder in 2025, and Spurs or Knicks in 2026.

With the Thunder entering the offseason, trade rumors have begun to circulate.

According to NBA reporter Sean Deveney, the Lakers plan to target Thunder role players Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe during this summer's free agency. The Lakers' front office is actively building around Luka Dončić, seeking more perimeter firepower and support for him.

One team executive said: "The Thunder are like an exclusive free-agent treasure trove; the entire league is waiting to pluck one or two players from them."

Currently, Isaiah Joe has two years left on his contract with an average salary of $11.32 million, and the final year includes a team option. Wiggins also has two years remaining, with salaries of $8.33 million and $7.99 million, and his final year also includes a team option.

But are Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe just scraps from the Thunder? They rarely even get playing time in the playoffs for Oklahoma City. Does the Lakers really need to pick up leftovers the Thunder don't want?

A Western Conference team executive indicated after the conference finals that the Thunder's Lu Dort would be an excellent fit for the Lakers and complement Dončić.

The executive said: "I think if you're the Lakers, you should absolutely be the top contender to pursue these players. Dort is the kind of guy who can drop in and completely transform your entire perimeter defense. If there's a chance to get him, he's a 'must-have' for the team. The Lakers have been plagued by weak perimeter defense for too long. But since you have Luka, you need elite 3-and-D players, and Dort is on another level in that regard."

In this postseason, Dort played 15 games, averaging 22.3 minutes, 5.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, with shooting percentages of 36.6%, 30.8%, and 50%. He has one season left on his contract with the Thunder, worth $17.72 million, including a team option.

Now that's more like it—why settle for Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe when Dort is so much more appealing?

However, it's still quite difficult for the Lakers to pull off a trade with the Thunder. Clutchpoints even suggested that the Thunder could pursue LeBron James to create the most terrifying team in the league.

They wrote: "The Thunder have a young MVP, elite-level defense, and unlimited depth off the bench. This team seemed destined to dominate the NBA for years to come. Yet this season ended in disappointment just one step away from the ultimate goal—the championship.

That's the scariest part.

Because when a 60-win championship contender falls short, management starts looking for answers. And this summer, perhaps no answer is better or more perfect than LeBron James. Better and more perfect.

Imagine adding the greatest basketball mind in history to a roster already brimming with youth, athleticism, and championship hunger. Into that lineup.

James wouldn't need to carry the team or force 30 points every night. He would just orchestrate the game, while the Thunder's young stars handle the scoring.

The entire league spent a whole year trying to catch up to Oklahoma City. If LeBron actually arrives, other teams can only compete for second place."

This summer, the Thunder will face contract extension negotiations for several players, and many have team options. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren's big contracts will kick in, with salaries starting at $41.5 million each, putting immense pressure on the team's salary cap space.

If LeBron James joins the Thunder, his salary would be very low—the best scenario would be a veteran minimum deal. Would LeBron be willing to lower his pride and join a team that just eliminated him in the playoffs? LeBron is not KD; the probability of this happening is nearly zero.