Thunder weighing roster, contract and draft decisions after West finals exit
thunder-offseason-roster-draft-2026
Oklahoma City’s front office is expected to consider several roster and salary moves this summer after the club’s seven-game loss in the Western Conference finals, league sources told ESPN.
Core pieces unlikely to move
Inside the organization, 24-year-old center Chet Holmgren remains viewed as a franchise cornerstone despite his quiet Game 7 against Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, according to the report. Veteran guard Alex Caruso, who impressed in the series, is also considered part of the long-term core.
Hartenstein expected back
The Thunder are widely anticipated to keep Isaiah Hartenstein for 2026-27, either by exercising his $28.5 million team option or negotiating a new deal, league and team sources said.
Dort’s status uncertain
Luguentz Dort carries an $18.2 million team option, but Oklahoma City’s depth on the wing—highlighted by Caruso and second-year guard Cason Wallace—could make the Canadian forward expendable. Sources familiar with two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said the guard values playing alongside his countryman and is expected to communicate that preference to management.
Possible trade candidates
If Oklahoma City seeks additional financial flexibility, rival executives named wings Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins—who combine for more than $20 million in guaranteed salary for 2026-27—as potential trade chips after limited playoff roles.
Executives also expect the Thunder to decline Kenrich Williams’ $7.2 million option, though a return on a smaller contract remains possible.
Draft maneuvering
Sources said Oklahoma City has held preliminary talks with teams picking in the top 10 about moving up from its current slots at Nos. 12, 17 and 37. Any decision to pay the price to climb the board is expected to be made on draft night, depending on who is available.
Long-term cap crunch ahead
While this summer’s choices are significant, executives view the 2027 offseason as the beginning of a major financial pivot: Gilgeous-Alexander’s super-max extension will jump his salary from roughly 25 percent of the cap to 35 percent.
Source: HoopsRumors
