The Oklahoma City Thunder fell just short of another trip to the NBA Finals. With the goal of making it back to the promised land, they have made moves around four key contributors: Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins.
Isaiah Hartenstein:
Hartenstein agreed to a new three-year, $75 million extension, keeping one of the league’s most versatile centers in Oklahoma City through the 2028-29 season.
Despite battling injuries during stretches of the season, Hartenstein was still one of the most impactful role players in the league, averaging 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 62% shooting from the field. His rebounding, physicality, interior passing, and ability to anchor lineups alongside or behind Chet Holmgren give head coach Mark Daigneault tremendous lineup flexibility. This move ensures that the Thunder will have one of the deepest frontcourts in the league for the coming years.
Lu Dort:
The Thunder picked up Dort’s $17.7 million team option for the 2026-27 season, showing their commitment to one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Although Dort doesn’t fill up the box score, averaging 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, he is still one of the most valuable players on the Thunder. He brings a level of physicality and toughness every night when he accepts the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best scorer. His tenacity allows the Thunder’s star players to conserve energy for the offensive end.
Isaiah Joe:
The Thunder traded Joe to the Detroit Pistons. In exchange, the Pistons are sending the Thunder second-round picks in 2030 and 2031.
Joe has averaged better than 40% from three-point range over the past four seasons and set career highs in scoring and 3-point percentage. However, this is a major salary-shedding move for the Thunder, as they were set to owe Joe $11.3 million next season and had a $11.3 million team option for the 2027-28 season. However, have Jared McCain, who can serve as Joe’s replacement as he did during their playoff run.
Aaron Wiggins:
The Thunder traded guard Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange, the Thunder are receiving second-round picks in 2030 and the least favorable of the Hawks/Lakers pick in 2032.
Wiggins has been one of the Thunder’s most reliable role players over the past several seasons. His versatility allowed him to defend multiple positions, attack closeouts, and make smart decisions. He also provided efficient scoring and timely shooting off the bench as a career 35.6% three-point shooter.
Implications For The Thunder:
By keeping Hartenstein and Dort in the building, they are maintaining the continuity that made them one of the best teams in the league last year. They aren’t the offensive engines most fans talk about. They are the players that make everything go smoothly in the background.
As for Joe and Wiggins, they are unfortunate cap casualties that are the reality of the second apron. The trades create much-needed financial flexibility without sacrificing the Thunder’s championship core. Additionally, they are bringing in some draft capital, which can be used for other moves in the future.
The Thunder are looking to make it back to the finals after barely missing out last season. They have all the players in the building, so it is only a matter of time before they are back at the top of the NBA world.
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