The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the offseason with the expectation that a thorough roster evaluation is in order, considering two max deals — All-Star Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams — will go into effect, forcing the front office to make difficult decisions. To avoid luxury tax penalties, such as the dreaded second apron, Thunder GM Sam Presti will prioritize what's best for his team's future.
And while most players on this list are under contract for the Thunder's 2026-27 season, most of them should be extended beyond next season. Oklahoma City's offseason evaluation will give fans a better sense of what head coach Mark Daigneault will have left in his rotation and provide opportunities for other players to grow.
Still, cost-saving trades, contract extensions, and signings will make up most of Presti's moves this summer, starting in-house by extending Thunder players' respective contracts, which are imperative for the 2025 champions to remain title contenders against the Spurs and the rest of the NBA.
Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) warms up before the start of game six of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center
Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Veteran center Isaiah Hartenstein proved his worth to the Thunder in his first two seasons, especially in the Western Conference Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. While figuring out a way to unlock All-Star Chet Holmgren's offense against the Spurs is a hurdle that will carry into next season, Hartenstein's defensive presence alongside the All-Star forward devastated opponents.
It led to the Thunder's top-ranked defense, which has been the backbone of its championship run, and clinching the best record in the Western Conference standings in back-to-back seasons. The Thunder front office should prioritize inking Hartenstein to a long-term deal over the summer. Waiting next year, when Isaiah will be a restricted free agent, could result in the Thunder losing its starting center via free agency.
For now, the Thunder, with a team option for the 2026-27 season worth $28.5 million, has Isaiah Hartenstein under contract for at least one more season. However, extending I-Hart on a team-friendly, three-year contract would cement the Thunder's frontcourt, including Jalen Williams and Holmgren, one of the NBA's better defensive front lines, as it continues to contend amid OKC's championship window.
Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) shoots during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game two of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center
Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
In only his third season, Thunder guard Cason Wallace earned All-Defensive Second Team honors. He finished fifth in the league in steals per game (1.9). Wallace's only goal is to constantly improve as a player, with or without the Thunder. GM Sam Presti has to make sure it's in his team's future.
Wallace, 22, has the potential to blossom into the NBA's best on-ball defender, which will make the Thunder's expected contract negotiation all the more interesting, as the fourth-year guard has positioned himself to make up to $108 million, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith.
“This may be the most fascinating decision of the entire group. Wallace has been lights-out as a defender since he was drafted. His offensive game has improved, but his efficiency has fallen off as his role has grown,” Smith said. “That could be a sign that Wallace isn’t quite ready to carry a team. The good news? He doesn’t have to with the Thunder.
“The combination of projecting what Wallace will eventually be, his role now and going forward in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder’s ever-swelling payroll makes this a difficult one to peg. Still, it’s best to believe Sam Presti will take care of Wallace now and figure out the rest later.”
Lu Dort, slated to make $18 million next season after he was named to this year's All-Defensive First Team, will be entering the final season of his contract.
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Chet Holmgren
City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up before the start of game six of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center
Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
People won't forget Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren's four-point dud in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, but they should also remember 2025-26 was his breakout season. He earned his first All-Star selection, first All-NBA nod, and led the Thunder to one of the best defensive teams in NBA history.
Holmgren finished second behind Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year. Following the most healthy campaign he's had in over two years, Holmgren is still getting better. Sure, his offensive shortcomings against Wembanyama and the Spurs were magnified when he didn't take a shot in the second half of Game 7.
However, Thunder GM Sam Presti will always remember this season as the year he lost Jalen Williams. That alone can't be overlooked. OKC's frontcourt isn't the same without JDub, especially against the likes of Wembanyama and the Spurs. Couple the fact that the Thunder's productive wing, Ajay Mitchell, missed most of the Western Conference Finals as well, and it's difficult to dignify trading Holmgren based on his performance against the Spurs.
However, how Holmgren bounces back next season, alongside Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, will be under a microscope, and rightfully so. People will be eager to see the kinds of changes the All-Star forward will make throughout his offseason training, including Thunder GM Sam Presti.
Isaiah Joe
Thunder guard Isaiah Joe's 42.3% 3-point clip led the team in shooting this season, which is a career best for the veteran guard. Joe's shooting efficiency is one of five Thunder players, including All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (38.6%), Jaylin Williams (38.3%), Kenrich Williams (38.8%), and Jared McCain (39.1%), who shot 38% or better from deep in 2025-26.
And while some would argue the Thunder can make up for Joe's shooting elsewhere, he's still growing as a player coming off the most productive season of his career. He averaged 11.1 points on 45.5/42.3/89.4 shooting splits, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 21.2 minutes per game this season.
Joe, 26, enters the final season of his four-year, $48 million contract, a team option worth $11.3 million. If the Thunder cannot come to an agreement on a contract extension, Thunder GM Sam Presti should hold onto him heading into 2026-27; albeit his last season with the team or as a potential trade chip ahead of the deadline, there's plenty of upside in keeping Joe.
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the offseason with the expectation that a thorough roster evaluation is in order, considering two max deals — All-Star Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams — will go into effect, forcing the front office to make difficult decisions.