Thunder
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A new report suggests that the Oklahoma City Thunder will have no choice but to break up their big three after the 2026-27 NBA season.
Over the last decade, the Thunder have proven why they are one of the best-run organizations in the NBA. After moving on from the era of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, they endured a trio of losing seasons to rebuild their future. In that time, they made several fantastic decisions, including hiring Mark Daigneault as their head coach and trading for two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
All the hard work in scouting and player development came to a head last year when the Thunder reached the NBA mountaintop to win the franchise’s first championship. While they put together, arguably, the deepest roster in the league, their journey to the top was led by SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Unsurprisingly, after the title win, the organization moved quickly to lock the latter two into new long-term deals.
Unfortunately, while the idea seemed good on paper, when those extensions take effect, Heavy’s Sean Deveney noted on Friday that the Thunder could have $207 million invested in just seven players heading into the 2027-28 season. That is a number that would take them into the second tax apron this season.
The NBA insider admits that the second apron is expected to be moved up to $233 million next year. But big extensions could be coming for Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell in the next couple of years. So as much as the Thunder would like to hold on to their big three, it isn’t realistic, and something has to give.
Chet Holmgren likely to be traded by Oklahoma City Thunder next summer?
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May 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma 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. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
That is why Deveney suggested this week that trading Holmgren and the over $196 million he is owed after this season is the “easier path” ahead to stay a contender instead of trying to make smaller moves around the edges. Furthermore, on a scale of 1 to 10, the NBA insider put the trade possibility at a seven out of 10.
Holmgren’s performance against Victor Wembanyama in the Western Conference semifinals has certainly changed opinions on him and whether he can be a good response to deal with the San Antonio Spurs star over the next decade.
The Thunder big man is only 24, is a one-time All-Star, and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year last season. However, he has shown that during his first four seasons in the NBA, he is an injury risk and missed all of his rookie season. While the Thunder would get a solid return for him, his injury concerns and expensive contract won’t make him easy to move either.