The Oklahoma City Thunder appeared poised to become the first team to repeat as NBA champions since 2018 before injuries took their toll.
And it was the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City’s newest rival, who were ready to capitalize.
But now it’s a new season for the Thunder, who have most of their core returning for what should be another push for a title. Much of that will depend on two-time consecutive Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. But for the Thunder to get back to the NBA Finals, role players will have to do their part, too.
Here's a breakdown of the Oklahoma City Thunder's offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
for 2026-27 season
Oklahoma City Thunder offseason review
- Record last season: 64-18 (1st in Western Conference)
- Playoff finish: Eliminated in Western Conference finals (3-4, against Spurs)
- Coach: Mark Daigneault (seventh season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +260 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record: 65-17
- Offseason grade: B+
Key roster additions
- C Aday Mara (NBA draft)
- G Bennett Stirtz (NBA draft)
Key roster losses
- G Luguentz Dort (trade)
- G Isaiah Joe (trade)
- G Aaron Wiggins (trade)
- C Branden Carlson (free agency)
Biggest question entering training camp
With the Spurs still lingering, can the Thunder reclaim dominance in the West?
In what’s becoming the best rivalry in the NBA, the Spurs had Oklahoma City’s number last year, beating the Thunder four of the five times they played in the regular season. Then, in the Western Conference finals, a brutally physical series went seven games. Injuries played a crucial role for the Thunder, as both Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell — key offensive threats — missed significant time. That put immense pressure on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, significantly restricting Oklahoma City’s offense. Now, the Thunder rotation will look a little different, after tough decisions needed to be made to stay under the apron. That also means younger players — ones like Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain — will need to step up.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- G Cason Wallace
- F Jalen Williams
- F Chet Holmgren
- C Isaiah Hartenstein
Rotation players
- G Jared McCain
- G Ajay Mitchell
- G Alex Caruso
- C Jaylin Williams
- F Kenrich Williams
- G Bennett Stirtz
- G Nikola Topić
- C Thomas Sorber
What to expect in 2026-27 season
Expect one of the best teams in the NBA to have a laser focus on returning to the top of the league. Even though they paid their top stars, the Thunder are still built to compete with the NBA’s very best. Gilgeous-Alexander is a perennial Most Valuable Player candidate, the Thunder play a smothering brand of defense that has led the league in rating the last two seasons and they have an established culture in which players selflessly embrace their roles. Despite that, some of Oklahoma City’s supporting stars, players like forward Chet Holmgren, have disappeared in the playoffs. With plenty of elite teams, that can no longer happen. The Thunder were the most dominant team for large parts of the last two seasons. Will they be able to return to championship form? As long as they stay healthy, there’s no reason to expect them not to.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma City Thunder season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
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