NBA Champion Thunder Bring Back 14 Players, Complete Four Major Extensions
slug: thunder-2025-offseason-check-in
August 20, 2025 — The Oklahoma City Thunder will open training camp with nearly the same roster that won last season’s NBA title, returning 14 of 15 players and finalizing four new contract extensions.
Key Signings
Ajay Mitchell re-signed for three years and $8.7 million, with $1.5 million guaranteed in Year 2 and a team option in Year 3. Malevy Leons accepted a non-guaranteed one-year minimum deal via the Exhibit 10 provision.
Trades
• Obtained the Spurs’ 2027 first-round pick (top-16 protected) from Sacramento for the draft rights to No. 24 pick Nique Clifford.
• Acquired guard Colby Jones from Washington for Dillon Jones and Houston’s 2029 second-rounder; Colby Jones was waived afterward.
Draft Picks
No. 15 pick Thomas Sorber signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $22,512,733.
No. 44 pick Brooks Barnhizer agreed to a two-way deal and will receive $85,300 guaranteed, rising to $318,218 at the start of the regular season.
Departures
The lone roster loss is 2024 first-rounder Dillon Jones. Free agents Branden Carlson (unsigned), Alex Ducas (Brisbane Bullets) and Adam Flagler (Spurs) are also gone.
Contract Extensions
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: four-year super-max beginning in 2027-28, projected at $285,405,792, with a player option in Year 4.
• Jalen Williams: five-year rookie-scale max starting in 2026-27, projected at $239,934,400 with escalators up to $287,921,280.
• Chet Holmgren: five-year rookie-scale max beginning in 2026-27, projected at $239,934,400.
• Jaylin Williams: three-year, $24 million veteran extension starting in 2025-26, including a team option for the third season.
Cap Outlook
Oklahoma City is operating above the $154.6 million salary cap but sits just under the $187.9 million luxury-tax line with a $186.9 million payroll. The club still holds its full $14.1 million mid-level exception, $5.134 million bi-annual exception, and a $501,669 traded-player exception. The Thunder are not hard-capped.
What’s Next
The roster is at the 15-player limit, but former lottery pick Ousmane Dieng—on an expiring $6.67 million deal—could be vulnerable if a spot is needed. Two two-way slots remain open; one is expected to go to Branden Carlson once his reported agreement is finalized. The front office may also revisit extension talks with Luguentz Dort next offseason, as the Thunder hold a 2026-27 team option on the All-Defensive guard.
Source: Hoops Rumors
