Josh Giddey might wear a Chicago Bulls jersey now, but part of his heart clearly still beats for Oklahoma City.

Just minutes after the Thunder clinched the 2025 NBA Championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in an electrifying Game 7, Giddey surprised fans with a rare and touching gesture: he posted a simple message on his Instagram story — “congrats to the guys”.

For many Thunder fans, those few words carried the weight of three seasons of memories. Giddey, who was traded last summer in a high-profile deal that brought defensive ace Alex Caruso to OKC, had always been a fan favorite for his selfless style of play and humble demeanor.

Interestingly, while Giddey thrived in Chicago — averaging an impressive 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game — it was Caruso’s defensive grit that proved pivotal in guiding Oklahoma City to its first NBA title in over a decade. Some fans even joked online that the trade was the final puzzle piece.

Despite being moved out of OKC’s long-term vision, Giddey’s stats this season put him in elite company. As the Bulls proudly highlighted, he was one of only three players — alongside LeBron James and Nikola Jokic — to notch over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. At just 22, Giddey’s best days are undoubtedly ahead.

Fans on social media were quick to react. One popular post on X summed up the sentiment: “I can’t imagine anyone more motivated than Josh Giddey right now… your old team wins a title right after trading you — now prove them wrong!”

While the Thunder celebrate a championship summer, and Caruso enjoys hero status, Giddey seems focused on carving out his own legacy in Chicago. But his understated message shows there’s no bitterness — just love for old teammates who achieved the dream.

As the offseason begins, one thing is certain: Josh Giddey’s story with Oklahoma City isn’t just a chapter — it’s an ongoing saga that fans will watch with pride, no matter which uniform he wears.

Daily Global Diary | June 23, 2025

Fresh off the Oklahoma City Thunder’s thrilling Game 7 victory that crowned them NBA champions for the first time ever, the basketball world’s eyes are now locked onto Brooklyn, New York, for what promises to be a draft filled with star power, surprises, and Australian dreams.

All eyes on ‘The Big Prize’: Cooper Flagg

Among the headlines is Cooper Flagg, the Duke sensation described by experts as the safest No.1 pick in years. “He’s a do-it-all forward… the best offensive and defensive prospect in this class,” says Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor. At just 18, Flagg has already reshaped how scouts view franchise cornerstones: a fearless leader at Duke who turned practice sessions into masterclasses.

The Dallas Mavericks, holding the first overall pick, are widely tipped to call his name — a decision that could define their future.

Ace Bailey: The shock twist nobody saw coming

Yet, not everything is predictable this draft week. Ace Bailey, the electric Rutgers forward, threw a wrench into draft boards by abruptly cancelling his final workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the No. 3 pick. Bailey remains the only U.S. prospect to skip workouts altogether, fueling wild speculation that he’s secured a secret promise with a team he trusts more — or that he’s maneuvering a blockbuster draft-day trade.

The Sixers, meanwhile, might still gamble on him, or pivot to Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, the draft’s presumed No. 4 pick. Rival teams like the Jazz, Wizards, and Nets are rumored to be circling aggressively.

Four Aussies, one big night

This year’s draft also shines a rare spotlight on Australian talent. While Florida’s Alex Condon chose college ball over the NBA for now, four compatriots are hoping to etch their names into the league’s next chapter:

• Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings) could land with the Detroit Pistons at No. 37.
• Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets) is projected for Golden State at No. 41.
• Tyrese Proctor (Duke) might be snapped up by the Utah Jazz at No. 43.
• Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks) is slated for the Knicks at No. 50.

For Australian hoops fans, the second round might be the highlight — a testament to the country’s ever-growing pipeline to the NBA.

When and where to watch

Fans can catch all the drama live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn:

📅 Round 1: Thursday, June 26 | Pre-draft coverage from 9am AEST, first picks at 10am
📅 Round 2: Friday, June 27 | Also from 10am AEST

In Australia, ESPN on Kayo Sports is your ticket to the action — and if you’re new, there’s even a $1 first month deal to sweeten the tip-off.

What’s next

With championship confetti barely swept off the Thunder’s court, the league resets again. Will Cooper Flagg live up to the ‘future superstar’ billing? Can Ace Bailey’s silent rebellion rewrite draft-day drama? And how many Aussie dreams will come true on Brooklyn’s biggest stage?

Keep your eyes glued — the NBA never sleeps.

Moments after the Oklahoma City Thunder made history by clinching their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, a new storm began brewing—this time on social media.

The young, electric Thunder squad—already the youngest to win an NBA title in nearly five decades—has fans dreaming bigger than ever. And some of those dreams are nothing short of audacious.

“Trade Chet [Holmgren] and every pick for Giannis,” wrote Snapback Sports’ Jack Settleman on X, echoing a sentiment that’s gaining traction among Thunder faithful. The logic is simple: pair the league’s reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and watch Oklahoma City transform from rising champions to an era-defining juggernaut.

For context, the Thunder pulled off a masterclass in roster building after last season’s playoff exit, trading for defensive ace Alex Caruso. That addition proved vital in their grueling postseason run—winning Game 7s at home against both the Nuggets and the Pacers to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy on June 22.

Now, fans want more than just a repeat. They want a dynasty. And they believe they have the arsenal to make it happen: a treasure trove of first-round picks and young talent, including 7-footer Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren, despite missing his rookie season to injury, quickly made up for lost time. He averaged an impressive 15 points, eight rebounds, and over two blocks per game, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Victor Wembanyama. While minor injuries again limited his award eligibility this season, scouts and fans agree: his ceiling is sky-high.

But when it comes to acquiring a generational talent like Antetokounmpo—still only 30 and showing no signs of decline—almost no price seems too steep for Thunder fans dreaming of three straight banners hanging in Paycom Center.

From Milwaukee’s perspective, if Giannis ever signals he wants out, a package built around Holmgren and premium picks might be too good to pass up as they look to rebuild around new faces.

Some critics warn, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” pointing out that Oklahoma City already proved it can win it all with this core. But when has Sam Presti ever shied away from bold moves?

For now, it’s just a sizzling offseason fantasy. But in Oklahoma City, where the future looks brighter than ever, the idea of pairing Shai and Giannis doesn’t feel as far-fetched as it might have just a year ago.

One thing is clear: the Thunder’s first title in 17 years has only whetted the appetite for more. And in a league where dynasties define legacies, Oklahoma City might just be ready to build the next great one—brick by superstar brick.