With the 2024 NBA draft over, the Oklahoma City Thunder will shift their focus to NBA free agency. The Thunder added two guards in the draft: Nikola Topic and Ajay Mitchell. They also added forward Dillon Jones. Before the draft, they made their biggest move of the offseason so far by trading for Alex Caruso. However, the Thunder have still not addressed their big man depth, which they should do in free agency.
Mitchell will most likely be on a two-way contract next season, leaving the Thunder with two open roster spots. They are coming into free agency with around $30 million in space to work with. However, the Thunder shouldn’t sign too many big long-term contracts as some key players are due for extensions soon.
5 Potential Free Agent Targets For The OKC Thunder
5. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris would be a low-risk, high-reward player to target in free agency, as he is expected to leave the Philadelphia 76ers. After having another disappointing postseason, the Thunder might be able to get him on a cheaper deal. If Harris is comfortable with coming off the bench, he would bring a nice veteran scoring presence there, which they hoped to get from Gordon Hayward. Even though he struggled in the postseason, he played well during the regular season, averaging 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Harris, who is six-foot-eight, could bring some size and help rebound, a category the Thunder ranked in the bottom half of the league. He would also bring a go-to scorer off the bench and be a nice stretch four for them. Harris will most likely be their last resort option in NBA free agency if they cannot land some of the other players on this list.
4. Paul George
Paul George has a player option coming up with the Los Angeles Clippers. While a reunion most likely won’t happen, adding George to this roster would be a scary sight for the rest of the league if the Thunder can make it work. However, George is 34 and looking for a four-year max contract. This could be too much of an asking price and commitment for them to make.
George averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds last season and arguably had his best seasons playing with the Thunder. A reunion could be enticing for him to consider once the NBA free agency period opens next month. Like Harris, George would bring some size and another go-to scorer for them to utilize. He would also improve the already stacked defense of the Thunder and would be a great stretch four option next to Chet Holmgren.
3. Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond is the first true center on the list for the Thunder to target in NBA free agency. With the Chicago Bulls heading to a rebuild, OKC could look to add another Bulls player to their roster. Drummond would immediately help their rebounding issues, as he averaged nine per game and would be a great backup to Holmgren. Drummond, who is about to turn 31, would also not command much money either.
He doesn’t necessarily fit the Thunder’s play style too much, as he can’t stretch the floor. However, he would be a great screen and roller for them to utilize in his minutes. He will also give them offensive rebounding and more second-chance opportunities.
2. Obi Toppin/Jalen Smith
Obi Toppin and Jalen Smith are ahead of Drummond on this list because they can stretch the floor. Adding one of Toppin or Smith from the Indiana Pacers would be great. Both players shot at least 40% from three last year and would fit the Thunder’s play style. However, Toppin and Smith are a little undersized. They would not bring the same rebounding impact a guy like Drummond would.
Unlike Drummond, OKC, with Toppin and Smith, would not have to change their offensive scheme. Toppin is a restricted free agent, and Smith has a player option next year.
1. Isaiah Hartenstein
Finally, the number one free-agent target for the Thunder is Isaiah Hartenstein. With the New York Knicks most likely not having the money to bring him back, he should be on the top of OKC’s list as he is the best big-man free agent. The 26-year-old center played a key role last season for the Knicks, especially with all their injuries last year. He will immediately help the Thunder on the glass, even though he can’t space the floor like Drummond. With his passing ability, he will still be able to fit their play style more than Drummond.
Hartenstein will most likely command a lot of money in free agency. The Thunder shouldn’t give him a long-term contract, as they have to pay some of their core players soon. However, offering him a two- to three-year deal worth $25 million a year could be enough to sign him.
The Last Word
Expect the Thunder to be aggressive in free agency and sign at least one of these players, as they have officially entered win-now mode. They can also turn to the trade market to add a big with all the assets they have to utilize. Whether through free agency or trades, OKC should be one of the more active teams when free agency begins.
