Thunder’s Smart Offseason Moves Signal Long-Term Dominance

Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren each signed five-year maximum rookie contract extensions with the Thunder.

Solidifying their commitment to the franchise. With those deals in place, OKC’s dynamic trio will remain under contract through at least the 2030–2031 season.

By securing their young core for the next five years, the Thunder have positioned themselves to compete throughout their stars’ prime years and build long-term continuity at the top.

Re-signing Complementary Pieces

In addition to locking in their big three, the Thunder also re-signed several key contributors who have already made a clear impact on the court.

Backup center Jaylin Williams agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal to stay in Oklahoma City. An affordable contract that helps preserve the Thunder’s cap flexibility while retaining one of their most reliable contributors through the 2027–28 season.

Williams proved his value during OKC’s title run, especially in the second round, where he came off the bench to help contain Nikola Jokic and provide crucial minutes on both ends of the floor.

OKC also signed Ajay Mitchell to a three-year $9 million deal. The former second-round pick out of UC Santa Barbara had a promising rookie season but missed some time due to injury.

So far in the NBA Summer League, Ajay Mitchell has impressed everybody. He’s led the Thunder to a perfect 3–0 record in Vegas while averaging 20 points per game on an efficient 51.4% shooting.

As a result, many are calling him “too good” for the Summer League. A label that only reinforces the value of his new contract.

The Thunder sidelined Mitchell in its fourth game in Vegas against the Pelicans. The Summer Thunder won once again.

The Thunder Bet on Its Young Core

The Thunder already boasts one of the youngest rosters in the league. With an average age of just 25.6, they became the youngest team to win an NBA championship in nearly five decades.

Given how the Thunder have built their roster, they’ll continue using the draft to add depth and maintain flexibility. While the second apron won’t pose a concern next season, salary cap challenges will likely emerge by the 2026–27 season, when financial pressure begins to tighten.

OKC will face several key decisions during that season. With team options looming for Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, and Kenrich Williams, the front office could use those contracts to stay below the second apron. If all three agree to restructure their deals, the Thunder would have a clear path to avoid any second apron penalties.

If they are unable to reconstruct deals, this is exactly what Sam Presti has been saving up draft picks for. With 31 draft picks and swaps saved through the 2030-31 season, the front office will be able to build through the draft once again.

If the team can’t afford both Dort and Hartenstein, they already drafted potential replacements this offseason.

Reinforcing the Core Through the Draft

Although Thunder fans would hate to lose Dort or Hartenstein, Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer already look like potential early replacements. Sorber, at 6-foot-10 and 255 pounds, adds size, physicality, and rebounding. These traits fit well with OKC’s needs.

Barnhizer has made an immediate impact in the Summer League. He became the first player in its history to record back-to-back games with six or more steals. Proving he already fits seamlessly into the defensive culture the Thunder have built.

With a championship core locked in, smart draft picks added, and strong performances in the Summer League, the Thunder have dominated this offseason from every angle.

OKC has positioned itself not just to defend its title, but to contend for years to come.