The Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to contend. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in the MVP race as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are blossoming into stars. The franchise is near the top of the conference and ready to take the next step, despite being loaded with young talent.
2024 will be this group’s first playoff experience. It is never easy making a deep run in year one no matter how talented the roster is. If the Thunder stumble, will they make more moves? Sam Presti has multiple draft picks in June to fit on his roster or trade for upgrades.
Expect the Thunder to be active and aggressive this summer. Bismack Biyombo and Gordon Hayward can become free agents, but Oklahoma City wants to compete for a championship. At least one trade is likely coming, but who will the Thunder send packing?
5. Kenrich Williams
The Thunder will likely need some matching salary if they plan on making a blockbuster trade this summer, but they have a young and inexpensive roster. They are not trading SGA or Chet Holmgren, so Williams is the third-highest-paid moveable contract on their books for next year.
The 6’6 forward has seen his playing time and production dip this season. He is averaging just 4.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.4 minutes per game. Williams played north of 21 minutes each night in each of his first five NBA seasons. He likely wants more run, but it won’t be available in OKC.
Williams is in the first season of a four-year $27.1 million contract extension. The Thunder do not need to trade him, but it may be the best outcome for both sides. Oklahoma City can upgrade their roster, and Williams gets more playing time in a new city.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a roster full of young talent and more draft picks than the franchise can make. They are primed for a massive trade, and Kenrich Williams is not the only player who could be wearing a different uniform to start the 2024-25 season.