Three Free Agents the OKC Thunder should make a run at this July to guarantee a playoff berth

During the 2022-23 season, the OKC Thunder had one massive Chet Holmgren-sized hole on their roster, once their second-overall pick was ruled out for the entire 22-23 campaign in August, the Thunder essentially went on their way without a starting caliber center on the roster.

It almost worked out well enough to get them their first playoff berth with their current core of guys, however; the OKC Thunder ran into the Minnesota Timberwolves twin-towers — Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert — in their second play-in game, and it became clear quickly who was headed for a first-round series and which team was heading to the NBA Draft Lottery.

The off-season is officially in full swing, and the OKC Thunder should aim to be very active in the free agency market this summer.

Sam Presti and the Thunder front office could test Free Agency waters, they should target big men, both starting-caliber (although a starter will be difficult to sign after absorbing Davis Bertans, and with Holmgren’s style in general) to pair alongside Chet Holmgren (Though OKC wants him to be the center of this roster) and primarily backups if Mark Daigneault elects to go with a more traditional second unit. There are also hurdles in hunting free agents just based on the pure roster crunch that OKC faces.

Honorable Mentions

• Mike Muscala: As much as the team and fan base alike would like to see Muscala back for a shooting spark off the bench and a mentor to the young Thunder, it doesn’t exactly make the most sense for either side, Muscala is still trying to capture that elusive championship ring and the Thunder are starting to hit a roster crunch. Conclusion; while it would be fun to bring Moose back, it will be best for all involved if there is no reunion at this time.
• Dario Saric: When the OKC Thunder shipped Darius Bazley to the Suns last February just before the deadline, Saric felt like a throw in piece who likely would not see a lot of playing time outside of garbage time. That wasn’t exactly the case, Saric played over 22 minutes in combined in OKC’s two play-in contests; so if other options do not pan out or if Saric is willing to be a third-string backup for the right price it could be beneficial for the OKC Thunder to keep him in town.