The 4 players that OKC must protect in the summer

Oklahoma City Thunder faces a crucial offseason. After another season where the franchise once again established itself among the elite of the NBA, the sports management led by Sam Presti is now confronting a complex planning exercise that will set the team's course for the next few years.

The implementation of maximum contracts for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will require the Thunder to carefully manage their salary cap to avoid future financial penalties. In a league increasingly constrained by collective bargaining restrictions, maintaining a championship-contending roster demands making tough decisions and carefully selecting which pieces are part of the long-term project.

Although a significant portion of the core already has contracts for the 2026-27 season, Oklahoma City must assess extensions, potential salary adjustments, and strategic moves to keep their competitive window open. With the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a constant threat in the West and other contenders bolstering their rosters, retaining internal talent emerges as an absolute priority.

Within that context, there are four players whose continuity should be among Sam Presti's top objectives.

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Isaiah Hartenstein, a pillar for interior defense

The addition of Isaiah Hartenstein has been much more significant than initially anticipated. The veteran center has become a key piece within the Thunder's defensive structure and has showcased his value particularly in high-stakes matchups.

His impact was particularly evident during the Western Conference Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. While Oklahoma City continues to seek ways to enhance Chet Holmgren's offensive production in specific matchups, Hartenstein's defensive contribution alongside the young All-Star has helped build one of the toughest defensive zones to penetrate in the entire league.

Currently, the Thunder holds a team option for the 2026-27 season valued at 28.5 million dollars, ensuring his continuity for at least another year. However, securing his stay through a mutually beneficial extension would allow Oklahoma City to solidify a top-tier interior rotation alongside Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

His experience, rebounding ability, and physical presence remain highly valuable assets for a team aiming to compete for championships.

Cason Wallace has become a defensive gem

Few players have undergone as remarkable an evolution in such a short time as Cason Wallace.

In just his third NBA season, the guard managed to earn a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team, a recognition that perfectly reflects his growth. Wallace also finished among the league's top defensive specialists, ranking fifth in steals per game with an average of 1.9.

Beyond the numbers, the young guard has established himself as one of the most uncomfortable perimeter defenders in the entire NBA. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, anticipate opponents' moves, and generate turnovers makes him an extremely valuable piece within Mark Daigneault's system.

At 22 years old, he still has room for growth, which further emphasizes the importance of a future contract negotiation.

Key stats for Cason Wallace

The organization understands that finding players capable of influencing both ends of the court significantly is not easy, so ensuring his continuity should be a strategic priority.

Chet Holmgren remains a key piece

The elimination against the Spurs showcased some tough moments for Chet Holmgren. His modest offensive performance in the seventh game of the Western Finals, where he scored only four points, sparked debates about his performance in crucial moments.

However, reducing his season to that single game would overlook all he achieved throughout the campaign.

The 2025-26 season marked Holmgren's definitive consolidation as an NBA star. The center earned his first All-Star appearance, was selected for the competition's top team for the first time, and played a key role in transforming the Thunder into one of the league's best defenses.

Moreover, he finished second in the voting for the Defensive Player of the Year award, only behind Victor Wembanyama.

While the offensive challenges against the Spurs were exposed at times in the series, particularly when he stopped attacking the basket in the second half of the seventh game, Oklahoma City also faced Jalen Williams' absence and Ajay Mitchell's limited participation for much of the series.

Therefore, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where the Thunder considers parting ways with such a vital piece for their present and future.

Isaiah Joe brings a consistently valuable asset: outside shooting

In an NBA dominated by three-point shooting, having reliable specialists remains a necessity for any championship contender. This is where Isaiah Joe continues to demonstrate his significance.

The shooting guard had the most efficient season of his career from beyond the arc, converting 42.3% of his three-point attempts, leading the Thunder in this category.

His offensive production also reached impressive numbers. Joe averaged 11.1 points per game along with shooting percentages of 45.5% from the field, 42.3% from three-point range, and 89.4% from the free-throw line.

Isaiah Joe's 2025-26 Season

At 26 years old, Joe enters the final season of his four-year, 48-million-dollar contract, which includes a team option valued at 11.3 million.

While negotiations for an extension may pose challenges, the Thunder has plenty of reasons to keep him within the roster. Whether as part of the rotation for the 2026-27 season or even as a valuable asset in future moves, Joe continues to offer a profile that fits perfectly into the team's structure.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 4 jugadores que OKC debe blindar en verano