The Thunder ownership group will have to make difficult financial decisions following this season that could drastically impact the team’s ability to contend in the future.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, in many ways, have been viewed as the best-positioned organization in the NBA. They have already won a title; they have a superstar in the middle of his prime, two young co-stars under contract, and more draft compensation than almost any team in the league.
It felt like the Thunder were going to have so many bites at the apple that falling short one season wouldn’t be a big deal. However, the 2026-27 season could be the Thunder’s best chance at a second title before hard decisions about future contention are made.
Sam Presti is notorious for his meticulous communication. So, anytime he steps in front of the mic, it’s important to pay attention. You could write article after article about his hour-and-a-half media availability last week, but the most significant thing he said was regarding a question about the team’s ownership commitment to keeping a team of the Thunder’s caliber together. Presti had this to say:
“What I would say is that certainly our anticipation is that's our expectation. But I have also done this long enough to know that things certainly can change, so I don't want to sit here and be definitive about that. ... I think the thing we have to balance is just honoring the moment and the rare, unique opportunity that we have with this team.”
Initially, this might not feel like much of an answer, but one thing is clear. There isn’t certainty yet that the ownership group pays what’s necessary to keep the best version of this team together. It’s easy to assume the moves made this past summer would be the biggest impact the second apron had on OKC, but that is likely far from the truth. Losing Lu Dort was significant, but the big decisions center around Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain.
Cason Wallace is due a new contract after this season, and it’s the understanding of the public that it’s being discussed now. Ajay Mitchell is another guy who is playing himself into a much higher contract. Then there are guys like McCain who are still on their rookie contracts and will need an extension over the next few seasons. All of these decisions will have to be made in the middle of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's supermax contract coming on the books next season.
The Thunder can pay these young pieces and keep this team together long term, but it’s going to be extremely expensive for the ownership group. Until that decision is made, I wouldn’t count on every one of these potential young stars being on the roster long term. It’s important to note that as long as Gilgeous-Alexander is on the team, the Thunder will have a shot at the title, but if cost-cutting decisions start to be made following this season, the 2026-27 season might be the Thunder’s best chance at bringing another title to Oklahoma City.
