The moves that the Oklahoma City Thunder made this offseason show they are in win-now mode and they’ve high expectations for the upcoming 2024-25 season. After taking huge leaps the past couple of seasons — going from a 22-win team to a 40-win team and being a play-in team, then going from a 40-win, play-in team to reaching the playoffs by winning 57 games and being the youngest No.1 seed in NBA history. OKC’s young core consists of rising stars and a bonafide superstar who looks to rise even higher after adding two-star role players.
Oklahoma City Thunder Off-Season Review:
OKC’s Off-Season Invites Impact Role Players
The moves made by the Oklahoma City Thunder this off-season weren’t major in terms of star power, but they may be two of the more impactful and noteworthy moves of the summer.
The biggest thing that the Thunder did last year, it’s that they are here and they are a force to reckon with. Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took another leap in his game — as he was the runner-up for MVP and he proved that he’s a superstar during the playoffs. Lu Dort receiving more national exposure one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and overall play. Jalen Williams emerging as a star and great backcourt mate with SGA. Chet Holmgren is a two-way monster and one of the most versatile bigs in the league. The Thunder are putting everyone on notice and letting the league know that they will be a problem for the next decade.
The Thunder made two important moves this offseason — by adding two defensive-minded players who complement their stars perfectly. The two key additions are Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. These additions to an already strong and improving roster put the Thunder towards the top of the list in offseason moves throughout the league and it makes them championship contenders.
Key Player Departures
Josh Giddey is the Thunder’s biggest departure this offseason. Giddey had a down year — due to his role, fit on the roster and off-the-court issues. Giddey really struggled throughout the playoffs. Giddey had his highs and lows during his time in Oklahoma City. This offseason, Giddey was included in a trade —which sent him to the Chicago Bulls. Giddey will be in a low-pressure situation and will have an opportunity to develop as the primary ball-handler in a rebuilding situation. Giddey will remind a lot of people that he’s a good NBA player.
Other notable departures include Gordon Hayward (who just recently retired), Mike Muscala (who just recently retired as well), and Bismack Biyombo.
Key Player Acquisitions
Alex Caruso was the return from the Josh Giddey trade. Caruso is a veteran with championship experience — winning in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Caruso has evolved into one of the best role players in the league. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, he’s a defensive playmaker who’s very impactful as both an on-ball and off-the-ball defender. Caruso will provide much-needed energy on both ends of the floor. Caruso was a great pickup and will complement the Thunder’s stars perfectly. He’s not the most explosive offensive scorer nor gifted player, but the Thunder won’t need him to be one of the main options on offense. Caruso will add on to the Thunder’s — 5-out, pass, dribble, shoot, offensive scheme. He will do all of the little things that the Thunder lacked this past season.
The Thunder made their biggest free agency signing in franchise history when Isaiah Hartenstein decided to leave New York to join the Thunder. Hartenstein shores up OKC’s biggest weakness — rebounding, size, and another paint presence (outside of Chet Holmgren). Whether he starts alongside Holmgren or comes off the bench, the Thunder will have more flexibility and options to play different styles, Hartenstein. He will certainly be impactful for the Thunder.
The Future for OKC is Now
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a superstar and is only 26. The remaining players of OKC’s core are so young and will continue to get better. And adding players in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein to this group of players benefits to the Thunder’s rise to the top. The future looks great, and in an impactful offseason such as this one, the Thunder are here to stay for a long time.
Main Image: SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
