In fifteen years, when we're looking back at the Oklahoma City Thunder dynasty of the 2020s, only the really cool fans will say their favorite player from the run was Kenrich Williams
Kenny Hustle has been a staple of Thunder basketball for six years now. He's never averaged more than 8 points per game or played over 25 minutes a night. That hasn't stopped him from being one of the most important players in this entire rebuild, though. Williams was the original tone-setter for this team, playing his tail off even when the Thunder were in the basement of the Western Conference.
If 2025-26 is the last season we see Williams in a Thunder jersey, his contributions to this franchise will never be forgotten. He's been here through the whole rebuild, so for him to still be on the first championship team for the Thunder was pretty heartwarming to see.
Kenrich Williams' future in Oklahoma City isn't guaranteed
Williams has a $7.1 million team option for next season and if I was forced to guess right now, I would guess they don't pick that up, and allow Williams to explore the open market for the first time in years.
This has less to do with Williams' production — he's still awesome when he plays, even in a smaller role — and more to do with the team's roster construction. The Thunder will likely have two top-20 picks in the 2026 draft (they own both the Clippers and Sixers picks) and in such an impressive draft, those picks will likely be guys who are ready to contribute in their rookie seasons (and who are on standard NBA contracts, thus taking up two roster spots).
Plus, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, and Nikola Topic all have player options for next year, too, which complicates Williams' situation. I presume the team will pick up Hart and Topic's options; the former is a vital part of this team, and the latter still has plenty of untapped upside.
Dort's option is over $18 million. I would be shocked if the Thunder pick that up, but I would also be surprised if they let him walk without trying to negotiate a deal with a lower salary. If all three of these guys come back, it might leave Williams as the odd man out.
If there's a way to keep Williams on the team, I don't think any fans would complain. Williams has been a fan favorite for years. But in a version of the NBA where every dollar matters more than ever before due to apron penalties, keeping on a player who may not be essential anymore, solely because he's become a mainstay on this team, sadly might not be the right move.
And I do mean sadly — seeing Kenny Hustle sign elsewhere would feel wrong, but we may be approaching that reality. Retire his jersey number when it happens. I'm only half-kidding.