On the eve of the NBA's deadline to exercise team options for rookie-scale players, the OKC Thunder opted to buy in on center Thomas Sorber Sunday night, even though he hasn't played a single game with the club throughout his two-year tenure.
Though this decision may inherently excite fans, as it could be seen as a sign that Oklahoma City still believes in the promise of him eventually living up to his mid-first-round draft stock once he returns from his knee rehab, it might also lead them to the conclusion that Isaiah Hartenstein's time in the Sooner State may not be set to last as long as his contract details would have them believe.
Thunder send Isaiah Hartenstein message with Thomas Sorber decision
This past summer, the beloved big man inked a brand-new deal with the Thunder, agreeing to terms on a $75 million pact that, if lived out, would keep him in tow through the 2028-29 season.
Of course, even when news of his signing originally broke, many pundits and cap experts were already voicing skepticism about the idea of him actually sticking around for another three seasons, especially given OKC's rising payroll with the max deals of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren kicking in.
This theory already seemed to be strengthening during these early stages of the 2026-27 campaign with rookie-scale lottery pick Aday Mara's strong start to his career.
Now, with Sorber's option being picked up, coupled with their clear cost-cutting move of declining Nikola Topic's fourth-year option, it appears the Thunder may be ready to finally lean into a full-fledged savings mentality.
Shedding the remaining $51.8 million left on Hartenstein's deal following this season and replacing his minutes at the five with the far cheaper likes of Mara and Sorber now seems like a highly plausible course of action for Sam Presti and company.
Chet Holmgren still active with Thunder amid injury hiatus
It was announced this past weekend that Thunder star Chet Holmgren will be sidelined for at least the next two months after suffering a patellar tendon tear in his right knee.
Though he may not be able to suit up for the next eight to ten weeks, this doesn't mean he won't still be an active presence for this team.
Recently, fellow Thunder big Jaylin Williams revealed that Holmgren told him in a text exchange that he'll be looking to do "whatever I can do for y'all" during his playing hiatus.
Though his services are most impactful out on the hardwood, where he was just named an All-NBA and All-Defensive talent just last season and was dropping averages of 12.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game to start this year's campaign, from a morale and leadership standpoint, Holmgren remaining active behind the scenes could still prove to be mightily beneficial in the long run, especially for developing youngsters, Mara and Sorber, as they continue to learn the ropes.
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