Thunder’s latest trade signals grim offseason outlook

Looming moves will put pressure on Thunder trio

There is no question about whether Oklahoma City will engage in trade talks or decline a few team options — it’s just a matter of when. All-NBA stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s contracts will balloon next season with their maximum extensions set to kick in, so the team just can’t afford to keep everyone.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that the Thunder still have other players with potential paydays coming up, like point guard Cason Wallace who is currently extension eligible and could hit restricted free agency next offseason. The team is known for its incredible depth, but it's going to have to sacrifice some of it next season and hope Holmgren and Williams can continue to blossom into the players they can be.

Oklahoma City knew this day was coming, which makes it all the more painful that it couldn’t capture the title again this year. As long as they have back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren and Williams, they’ll always have a chance. But unless general manager Sam Presti can get extremely creative, the trio will have to carry a heavier burden than ever before.