The OKC Thunder have been on an all-out spending spree this offseason, as they've shelled out a number of new deals to players who just helped bring the organization their first championship of the Sooner State era.
With the latest extension signed by Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City has now committed to a whopping $877.21 million in new, standard contracts that will be paid out over the next several years. $822 million of said earnings will be owed to the Big Three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and J-Dub alone.
Now, while these players and contracts deserve to be celebrated among the fanbase, as these fiscal commitments guarantee that the Thunder will continue to be in title contention for the foreseeable future, lost in the buzz surrounding these lofty figures is perhaps one of the more strategic signings made by GM Sam Presti this summer thus far.
Branden Carlson signing one of Thunder's best this summer
Though certainly one of their most cost-efficient signings made this offseason, as he agreed to terms on a second-straight two-way, locking down Branden Carlson's services for the 2025-26 season was a no-brainer move made by the organization.
Playing 32 games with the Thunder during his rookie season, the big man proved to have the makings of becoming a legitimate rotation player in the association, especially when given extended run on the court.
When logging double-digit minutes, Carlson would post 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He even found himself closing out the year with a ridiculous 26 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks performance in 38 minutes played against the New Orleans Pelicans in their season finale.
All teams in the modern day NBA covet bigs who can both protect the rim on defense and space the floor on offense. Throughout his collegiate career in Utah and in his first season in OKC, the 7-footer supplied enough evidence to suggest he can provide both of these kinds of attributes on the hardwood when given the opportunity.
Even on a minimum-scale standard deal, Branden Carlson's presence on the roster would be rather valuable, for not only has he proven capable of producing in a positive fashion on both ends of the ball (registered a +9.4 net rating during his debut campaign), but he also serves as security at the pivot should incoming rookie Thomas Sorber need more time to get acclimated to the pros.
The fact that they managed to secure him for next season on a low-risk two-way deal makes his signing all the more genius.