The Oklahoma City Thunder trimmed several contracts this summer to keep payroll in line with ownership’s internal budget, league sources told The Athletic’s Fred Katz. The strategy, according to the report, was motivated more by market-size economics than by fear of the NBA’s new second-apron restrictions.
Oklahoma City, the 2025 NBA champion and a finalist last season, sent starting wing Luguentz Dort to another club and declined team options on Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. General manager Sam Presti had already described the Dort deal as “a financial decision,” noting that savings generated this summer—combined with previous years outside the luxury tax and new revenue streams—would be reinvested later to preserve a title-caliber core.
The basketball cost is clear. Dort was considered one of the league’s better perimeter defenders, while Wiggins and Joe supplied shooting and bench depth. Their exits leave the defending champions thinner as next season approaches.
The moves also hint at future choices. The Thunder possess one of the NBA’s deepest young rosters, but retaining that group will grow pricier as rookie-scale deals expire. Team leadership appears intent on choosing carefully when—and on whom—to spend.
In a separate development, the Denver Nuggets matched Oklahoma City’s offer sheet for restricted free agent Spencer Jones, leaving the Thunder with an open roster slot. Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reported that the club could enter the season with the vacancy or eventually convert a two-way player. Second-round pick Otega Oweh and recently waived guard Payton Sandfort are among the internal options.
Building a champion was difficult; keeping one together without overspending now presents Oklahoma City’s next challenge.
Source: Hoops Wire
