What Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace injuries mean for the Thunder and why a trade isn’t so simple

There was something poetic about the way Jalen Williams opened the 2026-27 season. His numbers only jumped off the page if you were looking for symbolism. He scored 12 points, the same margin by which the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs. The message, if you believe in such things, was pretty clear: after losing to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals largely without him a year ago, Jalen Williams is the player that pushes the Thunder over the top against their nemesis. He is the difference between another parade and another defeat.

And now, his season is likely over. On Sunday, in a game against the very Los Angeles Clippers whose 2022 first-round pick brought Williams to Oklahoma City in the first place, the Thunder star suffered what appeared to be a devastating ankle injury on an attempted dunk. Now we have a diagnosis: a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula. He will have surgery and be sidelined for at least several months and potentially the whole season.

To make matters worse, starting shooting guard Cason Wallace has a torn labrum in his left shoulder. His outlook is similar to Williams': surgery, an extended absence, and…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/