The OKC Thunder fell short of defending its first NBA championship.
OKC suffered a 4-3 series loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals. It now shifts its focus to this summer, where it has three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft (No. 12, 17 and 37) and some big contract decisions to make.
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Here’s a breakdown of OKC’s roster entering the 2026 NBA offseason:
More: OKC Thunder receives No. 12 pick in 2026 NBA Draft, Washington Wizards win lottery
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Position: Forward
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Age: 24
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Height and weight: 6-6, 230 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 1.7 points, 2 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 38 FG%, 29.2 3FG%, 8.7 MPG
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2026-27 salary: Restricted free agent
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Outlook: Barnhizer had the feel of a Thunder player as soon as he joined the team as the 44th overall pick in the 2025 draft. And while he still does the little things such as crashing the glass and making hustle plays, he has work to do if he wants to stick around. He’s an in-betweener on defense, making it difficult to switch onto faster guards and hold his own against bigger forwards, and his shot needs improvement. His G League stats of 18.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game on 58.5% shooting from the field (61.9% from deep) are encouraging, though. It’s just a matter of translating that to the next level.
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Position: Center
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Age: 26
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Height and weight: 7-0, 220 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 5.8 points, 3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 52.7 FG%, 36 3FG%, 11.6 MPG
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2026-27 salary: Restricted free agent
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Outlook: Carlson earned a two-way contract with OKC last season by providing solid center minutes when the team was short-handed. He did that again this season, showcasing some good floor spacing and rebounding abilities. Carlson has one more season of two-way eligibility, and he could certainly end up back with the Thunder. But that likelihood depends on the results of the NBA Draft, where OKC has three picks and limited roster space. It’s an uphill battle for Carlson to earn a standard deal with the team, so there’s a chance it’ll give his two-way spot to a younger prospect it wants to take a swing on.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 32
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Height and weight: 6-5, 186 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2 assists, 42.3 FG%, 29.3 3FG%, 18.2 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $19.6 million
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Outlook: Caruso’s regular-season stats don’t jump off the screen. That especially includes his 3-point percentage, which marked a career low. But when the postseason comes around, the two-time champion is must-watch TV. He’s the ultimate role player, capable of swinging the momentum of a game in OKC’s favor the second he steps onto the floor. And that was on full display during the Thunder’s most recent playoff run, where he averaged 11 points and 1.4 steals on 47.8% shooting from the field (44.6% from deep). That production justifies Caruso’s contract, which runs through the 2028-29 season.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 27
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Height and weight: 6-4, 220 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 38.5 FG%, 34.4 3FG%, 26.8 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $18.2 million (Team option)
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Outlook: Dort is one of the better success stories in franchise history. He’s a former undrafted guard who has developed into an All-Defensive talent and a capable 3-point shooter. But OKC has multiple players who fit that mold on its roster, from Cason Wallace to Alex Caruso. And with new contracts for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kicking in, OKC is about to become expensive. It’ll surely decline its $18.2 million team option on Dort, and the question then becomes whether it’ll look to bring him back on a new deal. That’s one of the biggest storylines for the Thunder this summer.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 27
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Height and weight: 6-6, 195 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 55.3 FG%, 38.6 3FG%, 33.2 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $40.8 million
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Outlook: After earning regular-season MVP and Finals MVP honors last season, Gilgeous-Alexander somehow elevated his game once again this time around. He became an even more efficient scorer, shooting a career-high 55.3% from the field, and he repeatedly delivered in big moments. That helped him win a second straight MVP award and take home the Clutch Player of the Year award. Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as the best player in basketball, and he’s barely entering his prime at 27. OKC will remain a championship contender as long as he continues to play at this level.
More: Now a two-time NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander credits those around him for success
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Position: Center
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Age: 28
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Height and weight: 7-0, 250 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 62.2 FG%, 0 3FG%, 24.2 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $28.5 million (Team option)
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Outlook: Plenty of people believed this would be Hartenstein’s last season with OKC. He was expected to be a salary cap casualty for a team that’s about to become very expensive. But now that the season is over, it’s harder than ever before to imagine Hartenstein not being on this roster. He’s that valuable of a player as someone who sets screens, playmakes, rebounds and protects the rim. And he has become even more effective when playing alongside Chet Holmgren. OKC is still likely to decline its $28.5 million team option on Hartenstein, but there’s a good chance it’ll try to bring him back on a new deal if the price is right.
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Position: Forward
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Age: 24
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Height and weight: 7-1, 208 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 55.7 FG%, 36.2 3FG%, 28.9 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $41.3 million
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Outlook: Holmgren didn’t play well against San Antonio in the Western Conference finals. There’s no denying that, but don’t let recency bias cloud your judgment when evaluating his season. Holmgren averaged career highs in points and rebounds, and he was one of OKC’s most impactful players on both ends of the floor. That was rewarded with an All-Star selection, an All-NBA third team selection and an All-Defensive first team selection. It was a strong season overall for a player who’s still only 24. But, of course, being aggressive more consistently will be a top priority for him moving forward.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 26
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Height and weight: 6-4, 165 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 45.5 FG%, 42.3 3FG%, 21.2 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $11.3 million
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Outlook: Joe has been a sharpshooter ever since he joined OKC four seasons ago. He has shot at least 40% from deep in each of those campaigns, including a career-best 42.3% this season. But Joe also showed there’s more to his game this time around. He showed improvement on defense, where he held his own despite being limited physically. And he showed a great understanding of the system on offense by making the extra pass and moving without the ball. It’s unclear what Joe’s role will be now that Jared McCain has emerged as a rotation piece, but it’s clear what OKC will get when his number does get called.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 22
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Height and weight: 6-3, 195 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 8.3 points, 2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 42.5 FG%, 38.5 3FG%, 17.3 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $4.4 million
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Outlook: McCain started this season with Philadelphia, where he struggled to crack the rotation and even made one G League appearance. He ended this season with OKC, where he became a key contributor and even started in multiple games during the Western Conference finals. McCain showed an ability to score from both inside and outside the arc, and he showed no fear on the biggest stage of his young career. He won the respect of head coach Mark Daigneault and his teammates in addition to winning the hearts of Thunder fans. It’s clear that the 22-year-old guard has found a home in OKC.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 24
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Height and weight: 6-4, 190 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 48.5 FG%, 34.7 3FG%, 25.8 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $2.9 million
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Outlook: Mitchell showed improvements across the board during the regular season. Then, he showed star potential during the playoffs. That was especially on display when he started over the injured Jalen Williams for all of OKC’s second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Mitchell averaged 22.5 points, six assists and 1.8 steals on 56.3% shooting from the field throughout four games. A right soleus strain sidelined Mitchell for most of the conference finals, but he’ll surely be one of OKC’s top contributors moving forward. And he’s on a steal of a contract, which comes with a $2.9 million team option in 2027-28.
More: Why Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell is no longer NBA’s best-kept secret: ‘He’s cold’
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Position: Forward
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Age: 23
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Height and weight: 6-8, 215 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 8.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0 assists, 50 FG%, 41.2 3FG%, 15.8 MPG
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2026-27 salary: Restricted free agent
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Outlook: OKC clearly saw something in Sandfort when he finished his college career at Iowa. It brought him onto its G League team after he went undrafted this summer, even though he was fresh off of two surgeries to repair torn labrums in his shoulders. And after playing well with the Blue, the Thunder signed him to a two-way contract on March 2. Sandfort can certainly provide some 3-point shooting. But like Carlson and Barnhizer, his two-way spot is a hot commodity on an OKC team that has three draft picks and limited roster space.
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Position: Center
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Age: 20
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Height and weight: 6-9, 250 pounds
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2025-26 stats: None
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2026-27 salary: $4.9 million
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Outlook: OKC selected Sorber with the 15th pick in last year’s draft. And after missing Summer League play due to a turf toe injury that required surgery, he was working toward being available for the start of the season. But he hit another setback when he sustained a torn ACL in his right knee during an offseason workout on Sept. 4. He underwent surgery and missed the entire campaign as a result. It was a tough break for Sorber, but he’s now set to enter the mix. And there’s a lot to like about his game as an athletic big man who can block shots, rebound, roll to the rim and make the right passes.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 20
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Height and weight: 6-6, 200 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 43.1 FG%, 40 3FG%, 16 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $5.4 million
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Outlook: Topić overcame a lot just to make his NBA debut. After being selected with the 12th pick in the 2024 draft, the Serbian guard missed all of last season due to a partially torn ACL in his left knee. He then participated in Summer League and one preseason game, but he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October. Still, Topić was able to complete chemotherapy and ultimately play in 10 games this season. He showed flashes of his playmaking skills and even shot an encouraging 40% from deep, albeit on five attempts. Topić clearly has potential, and he’ll now look to carve out a role in a crowded Thunder backcourt.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 22
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Height and weight: 6-3, 195 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 43.2 FG%, 35.1 3FG%, 26.6 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $7.4 million
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Outlook: Wallace came into the NBA with a high floor as the 10th pick in the 2023 draft, and he has only elevated his game since then. He led the NBA in total steals this season (150), which helped him earn an All-Defensive second team selection. And he also made some improvements on offense, where showed an ability to create for himself and others. Wallace is entering the last season of his rookie contract, so it’ll be interesting to see both how much money he commands and how much OKC is willing to pay to keep him. That’s another tough upcoming decision for Sam Presti.
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More: Why OKC Thunder’s Cason Wallace deserves respect with All-Defensive team nod
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Position: Guard
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Age: 27
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Height and weight: 6-5, 190 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 43.1 FG%, 35.6 3FG%, 21.8 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $9.2 million
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Outlook: Wiggins was OKC’s fourth-leading scorer last season with an average of 12 points per game. He was a key spark plug off the bench who delivered in some big moments, including a few during the team’s title run that postseason. But Wiggins ultimately fell out of the rotation during OKC’s most recent playoff run, averaging just 5.8 minutes per game. Part of that decline in opportunities was the emergence of Jared McCain. Wiggins is on a descending contract that goes all the way down to a team option for $8.3 million in 2028-29. But it’s unclear if he’ll still be around by then, as the Thunder must make some roster decisions.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 25
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Height and weight: 6-5, 211 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 48.4 FG%, 29.9 3FG%, 28.4 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $41.3 million
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Outlook: Williams has sacrificed as much as anyone on this Thunder team. He sacrificed valuable recovery time when he played through a torn ligament in his right shooting wrist during OKC’s title run two seasons ago. And he sacrificed his health again this season while playing through that wrist injury and two strains in each of his hamstrings. Williams did everything he could to play through all of that. And while this season wasn’t what he hoped it’d be, he can now get his body right this summer. OKC will need him to be at his best when it next begins its next run at a title.
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Position: Forward
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Age: 23
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Height and weight: 6-9, 240 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 7.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 42.3 FG%, 38.3 3FG%, 19.6 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $7.8 million
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Outlook: Despite only being 23, Williams has quickly established himself as a leader for OKC. He has a voice in the locker room that’s respected by the entire team, and he has a game that’s equally valued. From spacing the floor to making the right pass to crashing the glass to protecting the rim, Williams does everything you’d want a backup big man to do. And he does it all with a smile on his face and an infectious energy. Williams is set to make $7.8 million this upcoming season, and OKC has a team option for that same amount in 2027-28. That’s great value for a player who brings plenty to the table, on and off the floor.
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Position: Guard
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Age: 31
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Height and weight: 6-7, 210 pounds
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2025-26 stats: 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 47.3 FG%, 38.8 3FG%, 15.3 MPG
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2026-27 salary: $7.2 million (Team option)
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Outlook: Kenrich Williams is another guy with a strong presence in the locker room. It’s hard not to admire someone who constantly stays ready for whatever opportunities he gets. Williams is a good connecting piece on offense and a versatile defender, and he lives up to his “Kenny Hustle” nickname. The former undrafted guard represents everything OKC’s culture is about, and he has often said he hopes to spend the rest of his career with the organization. The Thunder has a $7.2 million team option on Williams this summer. Even if it declines that, it’s hard to imagine the two parties not reaching a new deal.
More: SGA, OKC Thunder fall short vs. Spurs, Wemby in Game 7 to miss NBA Finals
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder roster, player contracts heading into 2026 NBA offseason
