Thunder and Spurs plot crucial roster moves ahead of 2026 NBA free agency
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are preparing for pivotal roster adjustments ahead of the 2026 NBA free agency period, following a wave of blockbuster early offseason trades.
Early blockbuster trades shake the league
Several major transactions have already dramatically altered the basketball landscape before the official start of free agency next Tuesday.
The Miami Heat have successfully secured two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to bolster their championship ambitions.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a massive move for point guard LaMelo Ball.
The Los Angeles Lakers have also acted swiftly by locking down Austin Reaves with a lucrative new maximum contract extension.
Oklahoma City prioritise salary cap management
General Manager Sam Presti faces the delicate task of trimming luxury tax payments while accommodating new rookie talent.
The Western Conference contenders recently added 7ft 3in Michigan centre Aday Mara to counter the towering presence of rival big men.
Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz was also selected in the 2026 draft, meaning existing rotation players must be moved to create essential roster space.
Valuable reserves Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe are currently viewed as the most likely departure candidates following the recent trade of Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta.
Retaining Hartenstein remains crucial for Thunder
Securing the long-term future of Isaiah Hartenstein is widely considered a non-negotiable priority for the franchise.
The physical centre holds a $28.5m team option, which management could decline in favour of a restructured contract with a lower initial salary.
Hartenstein proved indispensable during a grueling seven-game conference finals defeat against San Antonio, successfully grappling with elite frontcourt opposition like Victor Wembanyama.
Spurs seek physical reinforcements after Finals heartbreak
Despite falling agonisingly short of a championship against the New York Knicks, San Antonio are expected to adopt a measured offseason approach.
Intense trade speculation surrounds De’Aaron Fox following a difficult NBA Finals series, but the Texas franchise remains confident in their youthful core.
The immediate focus is acquiring a proven, versatile power forward to partner French phenom Wembanyama in the starting lineup.
This requirement became glaringly obvious when Knicks wing OG Anunoby repeatedly exploited their undersized defenders throughout the championship series.
Front office executives have already begun addressing frontcourt depth by drafting promising youngsters Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr.