After falling short of a championship run, the Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026 offseason with cap room to maneuver and several pressing roster choices.
Decision looms on Hartenstein’s $28.5 million option
The front office must first resolve center Isaiah Hartenstein’s contract. The 7-footer is tied to a $28.5 million team option for next season. League observers in Oklahoma City expect the club to decline the option and attempt to secure a longer deal that would keep Hartenstein in place beyond 2026-27.
Hartenstein’s defensive work against San Antonio—particularly after the Thunder shifted to traditional pick-and-roll coverage following Game 1—underscored his value. During exit interviews he made clear where he would like to stay. “I love being here. I love the organization, but it’s a lot in their hands,” he said. “It’s a business at the end of the day. But whatever happens, I’m truly grateful.”
Holmgren’s strong year ends with playoff questions
Chet Holmgren drew criticism for an uneven Western Conference semifinals, yet the 23-year-old center still produced an impressive second season: first All-Star appearance, runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman rated Holmgren’s 2025-26 campaign a “B,” awarding an “A” for the regular season and the opening two playoff rounds. Areas to address this summer include quickening his three-point release and expanding his face-up arsenal, as his long-range volume has dipped each season.
Two first-rounders give OKC options
Oklahoma City owns picks No. 12 and No. 17 in this month’s draft. While packaging the selections to move up has been floated, Rylan Stiles of Sports Illustrated argues that retaining both rookies could prove cost-effective. Extensions for the franchise’s three core players arrive within two years, negotiations with Hartenstein are pending, and future deals loom for Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. Decisions are also expected on veterans Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Kenrich Williams, with draft outcomes likely to influence those calls.
Kenrich Williams, Jalen Williams highlight injury and contract notes
Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports the Thunder could secure a lower-cost agreement to keep Kenrich Williams. Meanwhile, the primary health concern centers on Jalen Williams, whose season was disrupted by wrist and hamstring issues. “I think just having a nice cool-down period where I don’t have to try and rush or accelerate anything is going to be nice to just let my body completely settle, get back to zero,” Jalen Williams said of his offseason plan.
The Thunder are expected to begin formal contract discussions and pre-draft workouts in the coming weeks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
