Thunder Introduce Draft Class, Reshape Roster to Ease Luxury-Tax Pressure
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Fresh off a league-best 64-18 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder unveiled their 2026 draft haul on Friday, presenting first-rounders Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz along with second-round pick Otega Oweh at team headquarters.
Newcomers add size, playmaking and edge
Mara, a 7-foot-3 center taken No. 12 overall after winning a national title at Michigan, impressed general manager Sam Presti with uncommon passing vision for a big man. “He intuitively speaks our language from a basketball sense,” Presti said, noting that Mara never worked out for the club before the draft but did meet staffers at the Chicago combine.
Oklahoma City moved up to No. 16 to secure Stirtz, who transferred from Division II to Iowa and blossomed into a collegiate star. “Every time I step on the court I remember the people who didn’t believe in me,” the guard said.
Oweh, selected 41st, brings a defensive mindset the Thunder prize on the wing. The 6-foot-5 Kentucky product, younger brother of NFL linebacker Odafe Oweh, promised to play like “a junkyard dog” whenever he checks in.
Cap sheet tight after Hartenstein deal
Isaiah Hartenstein’s new three-year, $75 million contract pushes Oklahoma City $10.2 million over the tax line, $2.2 million above the first apron and $10.8 million below the second, per cap analyst Keith Smith. Those figures include rookie salaries for Mara and Stirtz but exclude 2026-27 team options on Luguentz Dort ($17.7 million) and Kenrich Williams ($7.2 million).
Joe, Wiggins traded to cut future tax bill
To create roster space and reduce long-term tax exposure, the Thunder agreed to separate trades sending Isaiah Joe ($11.3 million) and Aaron Wiggins ($9.2 million) elsewhere. Moving the pair trims next season’s payroll by $20.5 million and is expected to save roughly $140 million in projected tax penalties. “I’m going to miss them personally and professionally, but I know they’ll do great things with their new teams,” Presti said.
Source: HoopsRumors
