It was just two months ago when OKC Thunder center Branden Carlson finally got an extended opportunity on the court - and ran with it.
Now, with the team likely to endure a few shakeups this offseason, his time in Oklahoma City might be all but finished.
In the last two games of the regular season, Carlson showed out. With the one seed locked up, OKC had the luxury of sitting most of their stars, and Carlson became the focal point of the offense. He scored 23 and 26 points respectively and averaged 11.0 rebounds, establishing himself as a player capable of fitting into an NBA rotation.
Unfortunately for him, the Thunder are not just any rotation.
With the series loss to the San Antonio Spurs, it became clear that OKC needs to add more physicality around the rim before entering the 2026-27 season. Even though Carlson himself is 7'0" and 220 pounds, coach Mark Daigneault clearly didn't view him as a viable answer. He wasn't close to sniffing the court in the Western Conference Finals, and now OKC has embarked on a search to replace him.
The message is clear given Thunder's recent pre-draft activity
Since the conclusion of their season, the Thunder have had over 20 draft prospects in for pre-draft workouts. The vast majority of them have been physical big men who could fortify a front court.
It's clear general manager Sam Presti knows exactly what he will be looking for in this year's draft.
If the Thunder add another big body with one of their three picks, it will only add to a frontcourt that is already logjammed with talent. Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams both remain under contract, while Isaiah Hartenstein is on a team option, though many expect him to return to OKC. Add in the fact that rookie Thomas Sorber is set to play his first NBA season next year, and there simply might not be a spot for Carlson.
If he were to remain on the roster, he would likely remain in the G League, barring an influx of injuries down low. Though at that point, it might be in his best interest to look for a new home.
Carlson has proved talented enough to fit into a rotation, and Presti, who constantly preaches making decisions with both parties' interests in mind, would do him well by orchestrating such an opportunity. Whether that be through a trade or a release, Carlson would surely make the most of an extended look in another jersey.Â
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