After a historic 2024–25 NBA season that saw the Oklahoma City Thunder capture their first championship since the franchise’s Seattle SuperSonics days in 1979, the focus has shifted from promise to sustained excellence.
The Thunder silenced any remaining doubts by dominating the regular season with a franchise-best 68-14 record, finishing atop the Western Conference. Their playoff run was equally convincing, capped off with a decisive NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers. Along the way, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander not only led the charge but also secured his first league MVP and scoring title — a breakthrough moment for the 26-year-old star.
Locking in the Core
Rather than chase splashy trades or big-name free agents, Oklahoma City opted for stability in the offseason. The front office made its intentions clear by securing long-term extensions for its cornerstone trio: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Gilgeous-Alexander inked a four-year deal worth $285 million. Williams, fresh off his first All-Star appearance, committed to a five-year, $287 million contract. Holmgren — whose resilience and defensive impact were vital during their title push — also signed a five-year pact worth $250 million.
These extensions send a powerful message: Oklahoma City is building for the long haul, and they’re doing it around a trio whose timelines align perfectly. Gilgeous-Alexander is 27, Williams is 24, and Holmgren turns 23 this season. In an era where teams often scramble to keep their stars content, the Thunder are offering security, clarity, and continuity.
For players in their mid-20s, that consistency matters. With fewer distractions around trade rumors or uncertain futures, the focus stays on basketball — a luxury not every contending team can offer.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Long Road Pays Off
When SGA arrived in Oklahoma City back in 2019 as part of the Paul George trade, the Thunder were far from contenders. But he embraced the challenge and remained committed through the rebuild.
“I don’t think we’re gonna be losing for much longer,” he said in a 2022 appearance on the *Down to Dunk* podcast. “It’s not like I signed up to lose… I believe in the players we have, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”
That belief has now materialised into a championship — and the second-largest annual contract in NBA history.
Building Around a Championship Core
Williams and Holmgren, both selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, have quickly emerged as elite-level contributors. Williams, taken 12th overall, showcased his all-around game and earned his All-Star stripes last season. Holmgren, the No. 2 pick, proved his toughness and versatility, even as he managed injuries throughout the year.
There’s growing consensus that this trio could be the most balanced and dynamic in the league today. And if anyone questions that label, the Thunder have championship rings to support their claim.
Youthful Depth Incoming
Although Oklahoma City didn’t pursue major free-agent additions this summer, they did welcome two promising young talents to bolster their rotation: Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber.
Topic, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, missed his rookie season due to an ACL injury. But the 19-year-old Serbian guard made a strong impression during NBA Summer League and now joins a deep backcourt that includes Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Ajay Williams.
Sorber, drafted 15th overall this year, spent one year at Georgetown, earning All-Big East Third Team honors. Though viewed as a longer-term project, the 6’9” center could carve out a role under head coach Mark Daigneault’s development-first system.
The Thunder Are No Longer Chasing — They’re Leading
From top to bottom, the Thunder’s offseason wasn’t about reaction; it was about reinforcement. With a championship in hand and a young core locked in, they’re built to contend — not just next season, but for years to come.
In just a few seasons, Oklahoma City has gone from a team stockpiling draft picks to one setting the standard in the West. The rebuild is over. The mission now: **defend the crown**.
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