It's going to take some time to get used to it. The Oklahoma City Thunder went through significant roster changes for the first time in years this past offseason. They said goodbye to three longtime role players in Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
It was the first time that this group had tasted the business side of the NBA. The Thunder went with the three cost-cutting moves to get underneath the second apron and avoid financial tax penalties. Considering all three were outside of OKC's rotation by the end of the 2026 NBA playoffs, the writing was on the wall.
Still, that doesn't erase memories or invalidate feelings. All three were part of OKC's rapid ascension from a rebuild to NBA champion. They're also some of their best developmental
stories ever. Because of that, what the Thunder said about their departures was a big storyline for 2026-27 Media Day.
Here's what the Thunder had to say about Dort, Joe and Wiggins no longer being there:
Mark Daigneault
"Everybody talks about it being a business, but it's personal. The things that you guys don't get to see that we do are the amount of time that we're spending together. Buses, hotel, flights, all the dead spaces in between game days. You get pregame meals and you're standing around so much. There's certainly bonds that get built.
"It's always tough. I've been through it enough with other players to know that you'll see them again, and it doesn't change the relationship at all in the grand scheme of things.
"Those guys, while you mentioned it, are unbelievable points of pride for the program. You talk about a mutually beneficial professional relationship. I mean, those guys came at the back of the draft. They were not established when they came here. Helped build the identity of the team. Helped build the enormous success that we now have and contributed to our rise and have their fingerprints all over a ton of success. It set them up to be decade-long NBA players and set them up to be great contributors in their new situations. They have left an unbelievable imprint on us as well."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
"I was saying to somebody yesterday that it feels like they are not even gone. It feels like we are going to see them in a few minutes at team pictures. Just because those guys, all three of them, were like so embedded in our group.
"Obviously, we're a really close, tight-knit group. Those guys had a big hand in not only our success on the court, but also the relationships and the brotherhood off the court. And that will never change. Those guys will only be one call away from me and vice versa.
"But with that being said, it's the business of the NBA, right. I don't think anybody has played with all 12 guys their whole career. That's how it goes. It sucks a little bit. But yeah, it is what it is. And we have a few new additions that I'm super excited for. That will be really fun just to. Part of the excitement of having new players and things like that is figuring out how to make each other better. Hopefully, that unlocks new things for us. It will be exciting, regardless, and those guys will also be missed at the same time."
Chet Holmgren
"I don't think it's something that you necessarily get used to. You get so caught up in the moment that you kind of just think that it's forever. I guess that's a reminder that it's not.
"But I'm extremely excited for those guys and the opportunities that they are going to have at their new spots. I look forward to them making the most of them. I'd say I'm equally excited for the opportunities that it's opening up for other guys here. And again, I'm excited to see them make the most of those opportunities. I love those guys as players and as people on and off the court.
"It sucks that I can't spend as much time with them as in the past — whether it's in timeouts or on the team plane or team bus or whatever we're doing. But I'm excited for what the future holds."
Jalen Williams
"It's the weirdest thing ever. And I've been part of trades before. It's just very weird. Lu was my locker mate, and then Wiggs is across from me, and Isaiah is over there, kind of far end.
"It's just very. I don't even know how to describe it. It's just worried. Me and Shai were talking about it yesterday, and it's like I'm picturing Lu going to our team picnic. In my head, I'm like, 'All right, I'm going to see Lu there or Wiggs there or what am I going to say to Isaiah.'
"It's very weird. I feel like it's one of those things where when you win championships with people, and those are guys that have been there the whole time I've been there, you grow a really deep connection.
"It has been weird, but I'm also excited about what our team looks like and just our new look. I'm really excited to have other guys fill those shoes and do really well in that role. So I'm excited. But it is very weird."
Alex Caruso
"It's going to be different. It's already different being in the building for a couple of days and not seeing those guys. Just miss the competitiveness. The camaraderie you have with guys that you've gone to war with and won and lost big games and spent countless hours on the road with.
"So it will be different. We've got some new guys to get accustomed to and integrate with. But mostly, just missing the people that you spend so much time together through the course of the NBA season and multiple seasons. Just miss hanging out with those guys and getting to talk to them every day."
Kenrich Williams
"I mean, it's a different feeling for sure. Especially with those guys, actually. Lu, Wiggs and Isaiah — three huge components to our team these past several years. Helped us win the championship. And showing up today definitely feels weird. But super happy for those guys and the opportunity that they are getting with their respective teams."
Nikola Topic
"Obviously, I was sad, but I'm also happy for them. Because I know they are going to do good and perform very well. So I was very sad when I heard the news, but I knew that was the best for them and everyone. I am just really grateful that I have been able to share the court with these guys and to share the locker room because they are great persons. I'm really grateful that I can call those guys friends."
Isaiah Hartenstein
"It's definitely hard. I think you're with them so much during these last two years. They have done so much for the organization. So, just from a human standpoint, hard. We kinda just know what the business thing is. That just kinda comes with the NBA. So we wish them the best of luck. But again, we are really grateful for what they all did for our organization."
Jaylin Williams
"A little different. We are all having fun on Media Day, but we miss them. I'm happy for them. I wish they were here. They are all my homeboys, my friends, my teammates. We went to war together out there on that court. But I'm happy for them and hope they succeed at the highest level over there."
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Several OKC Thunder players react to 3 key NBA offseason departures
