NBA Rumors: Thunder, Pacers Face Key Roster Questions With Arrival Of Offseason

Less than a day removed from their seasons ending in the NBA Finals, both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are already drawing close scrutiny from rival executives as they head into pivotal offseasons.

The Thunder, fresh off their first championship, could largely bring back the same roster. Thirteen players are already under guaranteed contracts for next season, and the team holds affordable options on the other two.

But with two first-round picks at No. 15 and No. 24, Oklahoma City may face a roster squeeze, especially with draft night fast approaching.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, league executives believe the Thunder could look to move the 24th pick for a future first-rounder or select an international prospect such as Hugo Gonzalez or Noah Penda with the intent to stash them overseas. Former lottery pick Ousmane Dieng, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is also viewed by some around the league as a potential trade candidate.

Meanwhile, in Indiana, the outlook is less certain. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn Achilles, raising questions about the Pacers’ willingness to dive into luxury-tax territory in order to retain their core.

Scotto reports there is uncertainty around whether team owner Herb Simon will approve such a financial commitment in what could be a lost year without Haliburton. That could open the door for rival teams to inquire about the availability of younger role players like Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and Jarace Walker.

With the draft on Wednesday and Thursday and free agency opening Monday, the next few days may determine whether these two NBA finalists stay the course or reshuffle the deck.