Oklahoma City Thunder Season Preview
Re-signed: Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins
Additions: Alex Caruso (trade), Isaiah Hartenstein (free agent)
Draft Picks: Nikola Topić (No. 12 overall), Dillon Jones (No. 26), Ajay Mitchell (No. 38)
Departures: Josh Giddey (to Bulls), Lindy Waters III (to Warriors), Gordon Hayward (retired)
Unsigned Free Agents: Bismack Biyombo, Keyontae Johnson, Mike Muscala, Olivier Sarr
Last Season Recap
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced themselves as a serious contender in 2023-24, winning 57 games and securing the top seed in the Western Conference. The Thunder’s average age of 24 made them the youngest team in NBA history to finish with the top record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant, averaging 30.1 points on 53.5% shooting, and became a Kia MVP finalist. His growth as a playmaker (6.2 assists per game) further elevated his game.
OKC also benefited from big strides by Jalen Williams and the debut of rookie Chet Holmgren, giving the Thunder a well-rounded core. Despite their success, they fell short in the Western Conference semifinals, losing to the Dallas Mavericks, but it was an overwhelmingly positive season that solidified the franchise’s future.
Summer Summary
The Thunder made a splash by signing Isaiah Hartenstein, the biggest free-agent acquisition in the franchise’s history. Known for his rebounding and interior toughness, Hartenstein brings much-needed size and defensive presence to OKC’s frontcourt. Alex Caruso was also a key addition, coming over from Chicago. Caruso’s defensive prowess and improved 3-point shooting should make him a valuable piece in the backcourt.
Parting with Josh Giddey in the Caruso trade was significant, but Giddey had fallen out of favor, and OKC managed to land key players without sacrificing future draft capital. This combination of moves further demonstrated GM Sam Presti’s savvy in building a roster that remains loaded with talent and depth.
Player Spotlight: Chet Holmgren
After missing his first season due to injury, Chet Holmgren made an immediate impact. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive instincts makes him a unique player, capable of playing both inside and outside. With Hartenstein now handling some of the interior muscle, Holmgren could see even more opportunities to play freely, potentially positioning him for an All-Star bid in his sophomore year.
Season Outlook
The Thunder are primed for another deep playoff run, with one of the most complete rosters in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s continued rise into a top-five player will be crucial, but the Thunder’s supporting cast—including Williams, Holmgren, Caruso, and Hartenstein—gives OKC the balance needed to contend on both ends of the floor.
OKC is set to be one of the best teams in the league in 2024-25, with no major flaws and a deep, young roster built to last. Whether the Thunder can make it to the NBA Finals will depend on health and how quickly their new additions gel, but expectations are high for this emerging powerhouse.
