We just witnessed the New York Knicks draw first blood in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals, leaving them only three wins away from becoming the new kings of the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder know they should have been in this position instead of the San Antonio Spurs. Instead, back-to-back MVP SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER and the boys are off enjoying an early vacation.
The big question now is: how can this 60-win squad bounce back next season?
The Chet Holmgren Conundrum
The most pressing issue lies right at the center position with CHET HOLMGREN. For 69 games in the regular season, Holmgren anchored the Thunder through their injury woes. His early playoff run was excellent, averaging 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks entering the Conference Finals.
However, his production dipped significantly when going toe-to-toe with VICTOR WEMBANYAMA. In the series against San Antonio, his numbers dropped to 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds. Most damning of all was his disappearing act in Game 7—logging 32 minutes of action while tallying just 4 points on 2 shot attempts. If OKC wants to regain its terrifying form, Holmgren needs to take this experience on the chin and step up.
Financial Tightrope: Who Stays and Who Goes?
General Manager SAM PRESTI faces a financial crunch as massive extensions for Holmgren and JALEN WILLIAMS loom on the horizon. The Thunder must figure out how to handle their immediate free agents.
LU DORT, an undrafted gem from 2019 who has become a franchise pillar, sits on a team option. Fellow impact players ISAIAH HARTENSTEIN and KENRICH WILLIAMS are in similar situations. If OKC decides to reshape their depth, the market offers decent alternatives like JOHN COLLINS, TARI EASON, MITCHELL ROBINSON, and MARK WILLIAMS.
However, financial realities suggest that only one of Dort or Hartenstein will be kept. The smart money is on ISAIAH HARTENSTEIN. The Thunder possess a surplus of talent at Dort’s wing position, and Hartenstein’s ability to operate alongside Holmgren as the team’s leading screener objectively makes him the priority target to retain.
