The Oklahoma City Thunder proved a lot of naysayers wrong after a convincing 124-94 win in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Having clinched a spot in the NBA Finals, OKC becomes the youngest roster in the league to do so this season.
The Thunder have been one of the most intriguing franchises in recent years. GM Sam Presti repeatedly made what were considered "questionable moves, to substantially build the team's reserves of draft capital. This translated to the team languishing in the lower rung of the table for several years.
But, in that time, Presti and the Thunder had acquired some immensely talented players, and gradually surrounded them with the right veteran talent. The result? One of the fastest and most successful rebuilds in NBA history.
The Thunder find themselves heading to the 2025 NBA Finals, their first Finals appearance since 2012. Led by the league's MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team looks nigh unstoppable at this stage.
The more intriguing aspect of this Thunder team is that they feature an immensely young squad. With an average age of 24.7, OKC has the youngest squad in the league, giving them one of the ideal foundations for building a dynasty in today's era.
To top this off, Presti's investment in building draft capital continues to pay dividends for the future. Oklahoma's draft capital, over the next five years, is spread out in the following manner:
2025: 2 first-round picks; 1 second-round pick
2026: 2 first-round picks ; 1 second-round pick
2027: 2 first-round picks ; 2 second-round picks
2028: 1 first-round pick ; 3 second-round picks
2029: 1 first-round pick ; 5 second-round picks
The Thunder boasts 20 picks over the next five years. With eight first-round picks and 12 second-round picks, the organization possesses more than enough assets to keep this franchise competitive for years to come.
Unfortunately, this may not be as easy as it seems. The Thunder have a roster full of players who have accumulated some individual accomplishments on their journey with the team.
With their star Gilgeous-Alexander winning the MVP, he has become eligible for one of the biggest contract extensions in league history. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort both made the All-Defensive Team, and additionally, Williams also received an All-Star nod this season. These accomplishments allow the players to demand a bigger contract when it is due.
OKC will undoubtedly enjoy an advantage in the present situation, as their young players continue to develop and perform, potentially helping the franchise raise its first NBA title. But when the time comes, the team may struggle to keep these pieces together, considering the salary cap and other mechanisms.
The abundance of draft capital could always help the team restructure when necessary. However, the key emphasis should be placed on keeping the core intact for as long as possible.
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