The NBA’s second tax apron is not expected to force the Oklahoma City Thunder to break up their core any time soon, salary-cap analyst Keith Smith of Spotrac said in a recent overview of the club’s finances.
Starting in 2026-27, Oklahoma City will feature three maximum-salary players. Guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will shift to a super-max contract that season, while forward Jalen Williams and center Chet Holmgren are on lower-tier max deals that begin at 25 percent of the cap. Smith noted that both Williams and Holmgren remain on the smallest allowable max, easing the cap hit in the short term.
Team flexibility is further protected by several declining contracts for rotation players, according to Smith. Front-office officials are also expected to consider declining 2026-27 team options on Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort with an eye toward negotiating less expensive agreements.
Should cost concerns require moving on from Hartenstein or Dort, Oklahoma City has already stockpiled young replacements. Guards Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Nikola Topić, along with rookie big man Thomas Sorber, could absorb larger roles over the next two seasons. The Thunder are also positioned to add more talent, potentially controlling up to four first-round selections in the 2026 draft.
2026 draft haul taking shape
Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman examined those potential picks, reporting that Utah will try to protect its top-eight-protected selection, while Oklahoma City appears on track to acquire first-rounders from the Clippers, 76ers and Rockets.
Jaylin Williams’ impact beyond the box score
Center Jaylin Williams, in the first season of a three-year, $24 million extension, is shooting just 34.5 percent overall and 30.7 percent from deep. Head coach Mark Daigneault told reporters after Sunday’s win over Portland that Williams’ value extends well beyond scoring, citing his screening, ball movement, communication, rebounding and willingness to take charges.
Sorber stays connected during rehab
Sidelined for the season following knee surgery, No. 15 overall pick Thomas Sorber continues to integrate himself with teammates. “He always has a positive attitude … it’s all love,” guard Isaiah Joe said, describing Sorber’s energy around the locker room as the rookie works toward a 2026-27 debut.
In a separate development, Jalen Williams is no longer eligible for All-NBA or other postseason awards in 2025-26, cementing his rookie-scale extension at 25 percent of the 2026-27 cap.
Source: Hoops Rumors
