The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially set their roster for the 2025–26 NBA season, finalizing the group with the signing of guard Chris Youngblood to a two-way contract. The move fills the final open spot and brings a sense of closure to an offseason focused more on continuity than change.

Youngblood, a 6-foot-4 guard who impressed during NBA Summer League and training camp, will join fellow two-way players Branden Carlson and Brooks Barnhizer. His signing adds another capable shooter and physical defender to a team that already values versatility and effort on both ends of the floor. 

Known for his toughness and scoring instincts, Youngblood fits the Thunder mold, a player who competes, communicates, and understands how to play within a team structure.

Beyond Youngblood, the Thunder’s core remains largely intact. The starting lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein returns after leading Oklahoma City to one of the best records in the Western Conference last season. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, coming off an MVP year, will once again be the engine of the offense, while Holmgren’s continued growth as a two-way anchor could elevate OKC even further.

The depth behind them might be the best in the league. Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe provide elite spacing and defensive flexibility in the backcourt, while Aaron Wiggins remains the glue guy every contender needs. The additions of Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams give head coach Mark Daigneault veteran leadership and championship level experience, qualities that could make a difference come playoff time.

The Thunder are also investing heavily in their youth pipeline. First-round pick Nikola Topić, though currently recovering from injury, headlines the next generation of talent, while developmental pieces like Ousmane Dieng, Ajay Mitchell, and Thomas Sorber (although hurt)offer size and skill for the future. 

By filling their final two-way slot with Youngblood, the Thunder now boast a balanced 18-man roster (including two-way contracts) that blends proven stars with ascending prospects. 

More importantly, there’s a clear sense of direction. Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault have built a program centered on culture, chemistry, and collective growth and this finalized roster reflects that philosophy perfectly.

With the preseason wrapped up and the roster locked, the Thunder’s focus now shifts to the regular season. Expectations are sky high after last year’s breakout, but this group isn’t shying away from them. 

Oklahoma City believes its best basketball is still ahead, and with the roster now officially set, the climb toward another deep playoff run begins.