It was just two seasons ago when Aaron Wiggins seemed like an up-and-coming star for the OKC Thunder. He excelled when given the opportunity, registering games of 41, 35, and 30 points when given the keys to the offense.
Fast forward to the 2025-2026 season, and he saw his role completely disappear. He averaged just 5.8 minutes in the postseason, and now, on the outside of the rotation looking in, he is merely an obstacle that the organization has to do away with.
At just over $10 million, Wiggins had the seventh-largest salary on the team this year, and he is under contract for another two years, with a team option in 2028-29.
Normally, a contract like this wouldn't be too much of an issue. Wiggins is a respectable player who has proven himself in the league.
The Thunder, however, are no ordinary team.
With Wiggins a complete non-factor on this roster, his contract represents more money in between OKC and their goal of staying under the second apron. Many have pegged their team options as the way to achieve this goal, but it may make more sense to trim the fat that currently resides under team control.
Wiggins is in the way of GM Sam Presti's master plan
While the offseason has just begun, general manager Sam Presti's plan has begun to take shape. Isaiah Hartenstein's performance against Victor Wembanyama has made him invaluable. While he is at the mercy of the Thunder's team option, retaining him at all costs feels like a top priority.
On top of this, OKC boasts three draft picks in the upcoming draft. They have had over 20 players personally work out for them, so it seems as if they fully intend to use them.
Both of these cost money. Teams are expected to make tendered offers to first-round picks by mid-July, so the fates of players like Aaron Wiggins might need to be decided sooner rather than later.
Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams are other examples of players who might be on their way out for no other reason than the fact that they have become the low men on the totem pole.
Regardless of how things shake out, Presti will have no shortage of tough decisions to make. Wiggins has given a lot to this franchise and was a big contributor in last year's title run. Even while getting fazed out of the rotation, he has drawn no attention away from the team. If he is indeed on his way out, fans will surely be rooting for him in whatever uniform he dons next.
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