With Sam Presti’s presser finally out of the way, the focus now shifts to the next plans ahead for the Oklahoma City Thunder offseason. At this point, it’s safe to say that there’s plenty of work for the team. The OKC offseason seems to have plenty of issues to address and key decisions to make for the future of the squad.
It has been a disappointing finish for the season, and we all know how tough it is for them to lose just a win away from being back in the NBA Finals. Now more than ever, the Thunder have to resolve some issues, starting with their bench, and some key re-signings ahead of the long break from basketball.
Five Key Decisions Ahead of the OKC Thunder Offseason
Everyone knows that the big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and yes, Chet Holmgren, are already secured for the years to come. But the supporting cast, their role players to keep, the move they will make in the Draft, and how they will approach the next season will definitely be addressed starting in this offseason.
Cason Wallace is a Priority Re-Signing
The Thunder vs Spurs series was the perfect sample size to see who OKC needs to keep heading into the next season. Cason Wallace, for what it’s worth, happened to be a key performer in the series. It’s no secret that many players struggled against San Antonio, but Wallace was such a playoff riser in his own right. He was even one of the key weapons for the Thunder in that Game 7 loss, and nailed timely threes to keep them within striking distance. Wallace’s WCF stats speak for his high-level performances.
The Kentucky product gives off a strong Reggie Jackson vibe for Thunder fans to begin with. He’s got a taste of being a starter as well, and he may even be in consideration to be in the first five soon. His ability to slash into the paint both with and off the ball gives OKC a lethal two-way weapon who fits well with the squad.
'26 Cason Wallace postseason tape pic.twitter.com/JSbId9wgcQ
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) June 2, 2026
He’s not afraid to challenge anyone in his path, and he even took layups and threes in front of a hulking Victor Wembanyama. Wallace embodies that fearless mindset that Oklahoma City seems to be building. If you are not impressed, then it’s worth remembering that he is also the league leader in steals for the 2025-26 season. That’s enough case to give him his cash this offseason. He’s one of the evolved elite defenders out there, and Wallace should be the first to get an upgrade from his $7.4 million salary for the next campaign.
The IHart Situation Is Vital to Success
Like it or not, Isaiah Hartenstein is a key piece who should stay for OKC. Of course, he’s still signed on for two more years with the team, albeit with a slightly expensive contract. However, it seems that the only way the Thunder is keeping him for the years to come is to sign a new, long-term deal that is cheaper than what he’ll be getting. This should help address salary cap issues for Oklahoma City moving forward.
While Holmgren struggled hard, IHart’s impact was good, balanced, and reliable for most of the playoffs. He provided the strength that needed on the boards, which solidifies his strong importance to the squad. While Thomas Sorber remains to be seen, it is likely that Sorber’s game may take over Hartenstein’s role if OKC lets him walk.
Sam Presti on Isaiah Hartenstein:
"We're lucky to have him. We're really lucky to have him."
The Thunder GM praised Hartenstein's impact on the floor and his commitment to the Oklahoma City community. pic.twitter.com/xHUJYAEYno
— News 9 (@NEWS9) June 9, 2026
Should IHart move on from the team, the only viable move for them is to gamble on Sorber’s potential, grab another center from the Draft, or pursue other bulky centers like Nic Claxton or even Walker Kessler to replace him. Whatever the case, OKC needs a player to fill Hartenstein’s role.
Lu Dort: Stay or Go?
One of the pillars of this new generation of Thunder basketball is Luguentz Dort. Going from being an undrafted gem for the team, all the way to becoming one of the best defensive players in the league, the Dorture Chamber remains a key player in the OKC roster. Of course, this season has seen a lot of discussions surrounding his future. By now, we have seen multiple Thunder players become better key players than Dort. But this is what this squad is made of: a variety of role players who do best in their respective tasks.
Dort will likely be staying with OKC at least for another season. Considering that he and SGA are the last pillars of the bubble team that eventually found its way to inspire the next generation of Thunder basketball. Nobody believed when Oklahoma City signed an undrafted guard, only to become one of the best defenders in the NBA, and was handed a five-year, $82.5 million deal.
I was pretty heavily leaning they were gonna let Dort walk, now I’m not so sure
— ThunderChats (@ThunderChats) June 8, 2026
Now that it’s run its course, Dort’s renewal will definitely be a huge factor in how OKC approaches the rest of the offseason. Based on his recent presser, it does seem that Presti is leaning towards running it back with nearly the same squad in the coming season, but Dort’s value is much of a gamble considering how inconsistent he is with his three-and-D role with the Thunder. With other players rising to the occasion and proving their worth, Dort’s position with OKC is in a fragile state.
Which Backup Players Get Cut?
For most of the playoffs, we’ve seen less of Kenrich Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Nikola Topic. These players take up roster space, and we know how talented the Thunder bench has to be. Everyone needs to step up to the plate once their numbers are called. Some of these names are notable fan favorites, but at the end of the day, OKC has got to prioritize talent that can help them become a deeper squad heading into next season.
To be fair, each of these players has had their big moments with the Thunder. Joe has had a strong, crucial stretch in the season, and Wiggins has become one of the heroes for OKC in unexpected games. Williams has shown his ability to step up in the postseason when needed, and Topic offered flashes of his potential when given a chance to run the floor.
This was the lesson from last year too btw. OKC beat Denver because Denver ran out of players. The Pacers beat the Knicks because Thibs refused to go to his bench until it was too late. OKC and Indy were the deepest teams. They kept their guys fresh and had different pitches. https://t.co/PEzuNAa9td
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 11, 2026
But with another lottery pick coming up, and potential trades or even signings knocking on the door, OKC has got to make space. Each of these guys is the easiest pick to move on from, but will it cost the Thunder in the long run? Only time can tell.
What Should OKC Do With the 2026 Draft Picks?
Come to think of it, the Thunder are heading into the offseason with a chance to load up on new talent again. Presti has a boatload of picks that will give OKC a chance to shine in the years to come. Oklahoma City owns the 12th, 17th, and 37th picks in this year’s draft. This just means that more potential elite talent may come in for the squad and boost their gaps and needs.
In CBS Sports’ @AdamFinkelstein’s latest NBA mock draft, he projects the Thunder to make the following selections:
12th: PF Yaxel Lendeborg — Michigan
“The questions about Lendeborg are tied to his upside since he will turn 24 before playing in his first NBA game. The team in… https://t.co/8h9pgwBxN1 pic.twitter.com/yVFaOEdL7K
— SleeperThunder (@SleeperThunder) June 9, 2026
Names such as Yaxel Lendeborg, Karim Lopez, and Ryan Conwell are rumored to be picks for the 2025 champions. However, OKC moves during the offseason are usually kept in the dark, and all the experts and reporters can do is just predict and hope that they select the right one. For what it’s worth, Oklahoma City does have the assets to move up in the Draft order, or even wrap up a package to acquire star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, for starters, and cook up a blockbuster trade.
OKC Heads for a Crucial Offseason
Championship windows are a lot tighter than most people think, and it cannot be denied that the Thunder have plenty of key decisions to make as they move forward with the hopes of getting back on the big stage. No champion has ever managed to get back after winning the NBA Finals, and they nearly beat that.
As they seek redemption after a disappointing finish, Oklahoma City has to pick up the pieces and get back on track to getting its second Larry O’Brien trophy since moving to OKC.
