Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Chicagojk]

From the Athletic.  I thought the Thunder had a little drop back this offseason.  Although on the other hand I think they are still the best team in the league and in reality didn't give up a top 5 player.  So maybe that counts as a win.   I don wonder what happens next summer.    Things will continue to get tricky for them.   On a separate matter, I hope by the time of the Flagg extension the cap is changed a bit.    



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Speaking of OKC, the Thunder are facing their own financial crunch.

GM Sam Presti is unquestionably the best at simultaneously building a roster and maximizing the accumulation of assets. We always note how many future first-round picks they have and how much they can pivot even by losing key players. Even this summer, they’ve had to say goodbye to Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe in trades. That was to get under the second apron. The issue is not going anywhere.

Just with the contracts of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, OKC has roughly $143 million committed this coming season, $149.5 million in 2027-28, $161 million in 2028-29, $172.5 million in 2029-30 and $184 million in 2030-31. The good news is they have three incredible players locked up for five years (SGA has a player option in that last season). The bad news is this isn’t a three-on-three league.

Cason Wallace is extension eligible and has made comments about wanting to get paid. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein are on team-friendly deals for the next couple of seasons but might become second-apron casualties. Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams and Jared McCain are extension eligible in a year. The second apron is rearing its ugly head with OKC in real time and will continue to do so as long as the Thunder keep that big three together. They might have to make a big-time decision soon. If Holmgren continues to struggle against Victor Wembanyama when it matters most, then maybe that decision becomes easier.