The Oklahoma City Thunder will soon have the walls of the second apron closing in on them.
With extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kicking in this offseason, and Cason Wallace becoming extension-eligible as well, there will be some tough choices to be made. All three of Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, and Kenrich Williams have club options for 2026-27.
From a production standpoint, moving on from Dort and Kenrich Williams would be their smartest move. But Dort has long been an integral part of the Thunder's core. His $18 million option, meanwhile, pales in comparison to the hefty $28 million figure awaiting Hartenstein.
As a result, Hartenstein could be finding a new home this offseason. This would leave Oklahoma City in immediate need of a new center to maintain their depth at the position.
Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers is making his case as we speak.
Andre Drummond could be a suitable signing to bolster the Thunder's center depth this offseason
Losing Hartenstein would be a major blow no matter how you slice it. His presence as a rim-protector and an offensive rebounder is highly important to the way the Thunder want to play. His ability to pair with Holmgren in the starting frontcourt provides the team with insurmountable flexibility.
But tough choices must be made under the new CBA. Hartenstein's club option could very well be one of these.
If Hartenstein is ultimately not brought back for next season, signing a cheaper center is the logical move. Thomas Sorber has potential, but the complete loss of his rookie season to an ACL tear means trusting him with sole backup center responsibilities is a dangerous gamble.
Drummond, meanwhile, can likely be brought in at or near the veteran minimum. He's run into some rough patches this season, and rumors abounded at the trade deadline surrounding his availability. If he had ultimately been traded for cap purposes, that could easily have been the end of the line for the 14th-year center.
Drummond is still kicking though, and he's playing excellent basketball to boot. Excluding his limited outing against the Indiana Pacers last night, he's averaging 7.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and two assists while shooting 42.9% from 3-point range over his last six games.
Drummond's value is primarily as a veteran leader and a sizable presence in the paint. Philadelphia has no reason to bring him back this offseason, however, given the way that Adem Bona has played this year.
A strong showing over the remainder of the season, therefore, could do more than prolong Drummond's career. It could also provide proof of the value he could bring to the Thunder next season.