The Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to exceed the second apron as max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kick in. Spending at that level is unsustainable because of roster-building restrictions. Sam Presti has to slash payroll and make room for his draft picks. OKC already traded Aaron Wiggins and more difficult roster decisions are ahead..
The Thunder have 14 players under contract, and more changes are necessary. Presti is never afraid to be bold, so here is a look at how the roster is shaping up heading into the 2026 NBA Draft.
Untouchable
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Thunder have several players they are not talking trades on, but the Lakers weren’t shopping Anthony Davis until the Luka Doncic trade came along. SGA is the only player OKC is not trading, no matter the offer. The reigning two-time MVP will be the face of the Thunder for years to come, and he’s only leaving if he demands to be traded.
Building blocks
Chet Holmgren
The Thunder have no desire to shop Holmgren, despite his playoff struggles. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and is already a star. Expect Holmgren to be in OKC for years to come.
Jalen Williams
Presti isn’t selling low on J-Dub. Injuries limited him to just 33 regular-season games, and another hamstring issue ended his season early. Williams is an elite two-way force when healthy, and the Thunder want to keep the 25-year-old for years to come.
Alex Caruso
The Thunder view Caruso as a building block because of his leadership and impact on winning. He is an elite role player who shines in the biggest moments. OKC needs just that as they chase another title.
Not going anywhere
Ajay Mitchell
Mitchell is set to make just $2.8 million next season and is on arguably the most team-friendly contract in the NBA. Presti isn’t trading him.
Isaiah Hartenstein
I-Hart has a $28.5 million team option. The Thunder aren’t letting their starting center go and would love to agree on a long-term deal that lowers his salary in 2026-27. Hartenstein will be back, but Presti has to figure out his contract situation.
Jaylin Williams
J-Will gives the Thunder a stretch big man with versatility on a bargain contract. The goal is to win the title in 2027, so Williams is locked in.
Depends on extension talks
Cason Wallace
Wallace is rookie extension eligible this offseason. They would love to sign him long-term on a reasonable contract. Wallace outplayed Dort in the conference finals and is ready for a larger role. The Thunder should already be working on this deal, and how the talks go will determine his future.
Young players on value contracts
Jared McCain
Nikola Topic
Thomas Sorber
These three players are on rookie contracts and are giving OKC talent on their bench at an affordable cost. The cost savings alone will keep these three on the Thunder.
On the trade block
Luguentz Dort
Teams are calling about Dort . The Thunder have a $17.7 million team option, but a new deal feels unlikely after he switched agencies to be represented by Klutch Sports. OKC has to explore a trade if they don’t plan to sign him to a long-term deal.
SGA wants Dort to stay, but the Thunder have replacements ready. If a serious trade partner steps up, Dort may be sent packing.
Time to move on
These two players were outside the playoff rotation, even with OKC’s injuries. It feels like it is time to move on to save money.
Kenrich Williams
The Thunder will decline his $7.1 million team option, but could bring him back on a minimum contract. Williams will be an end-of-the-bench option if he returns.
Isaiah Joe
Joe is a sharpshooter, but the Thunder want to free up minutes for their young talent. He is set to make $11.3 million, and OKC will trade him to save money.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will make more moves as they look to dodge the second apron. Fans should expect Joe to be traded. That won’t be enough, which puts anything in play. The Thunder have difficult decisions to make, but fans should trust Sam Presti. He is the best in the business and will keep the Thunder in contention for years to come.
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