Goodbye 2025-2026 OKC Thunder

Credit (NBA) The OKC Thunder aren't a dynasty yet, with a historic season coming to a end

In doing the end-of-season reviews. Coming into the season, OKC was heavily favored to repeat as NBA champions, something that hasn't been done since the 2017-2018 Golden Warriors. OKC had a dominant regular season, and that spilled into the postseason, sweeping the Suns and Lakers, respectively. Then, in the Western Conference Finals, OKC ran into likely its greatest rival for the next decade in the San Antonio Spurs and came up short in a seven-game series. Now I have three offseason questions on where OKC is heading.

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1. Will they extend Isiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort?

Word on the street is that the OKC roster is getting expensive, and in the second apron era, it's never a good thing. OKC has some roster decisions to make with Isiah and Lu. Lu is a fan favorite and known for defense, and I imagine they will likely bring him back. Their roster is top-heavy at this point, and don't forget they have the opportunity to extend Cason Wallace. So, OKC has some grown-up roster decisions to make to remain a contender, which they will.

2. Will they do anything with their draft picks?

OKC is still getting rich off the Paul George trade years later. Now they have the flexibility to add cheap talent with two first-round picks in the 12th and 17th. Because of financial reality, they might use those two picks for players who can be contributors later on. Or will they use those picks to upgrade their roster with a solid player?

3. Future outlook for next season?

Regardless of what decisions are made with the roster this offseason. OKC has a reigning MVP in SGA, Chet, Jalen, and a hell of a talent. They are going to be title contenders next season and in the foreseeable future. With better health and in a tough West, they are going to win a lot of games and maybe win another title if they can overcome Wemby Spurs next season.