Oklahoma City Thunder’s biggest mistake in 2025 NBA free agency

The Oklahoma City Thunder, after winning 68 regular-season games and the NBA championship in 2025 with a historically great net rating and deep roster, opted for a conservative free agency focused on retaining their core. They secured massive long-term extensions for their three young stars: reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4-year supermax up to $285M through 2030-31), All-NBA player Jalen Williams (5-year rookie max extension up to $287M), and Chet Holmgren (5-year max rookie extension worth $250M). This locks in their core trio (ages 26, 24, and 23) and positions them as a potential dynasty.

Despite maintaining their championship roster, the Thunder failed to address a significant weakness identified during their title run: the lack of a strong, physical center. While Chet Holmgren is praised for his mobility, versatility, and elite help-side rim protection, his slender frame (208 pounds) makes him vulnerable to being overpowered in the post by larger, dominant centers like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, or Jonas Valančiūnas, especially in the physical context of a playoff series. The article suggests the front office may be overlooking this vulnerability by not acquiring a true interior enforcer.