Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams propelled Oklahoma City's rebuild into a championship-level run, with Williams earning All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defense honors while navigating a wrist injury in the playoffs.

Holmgren's arrival and a rapidly maturing, youthful core pushed OKC to the top seed and a title run, even as Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets tested them. The Thunder's patient development and asset-rich depth suggest a sustained, future title contention for years to come.

Jalen Williams' rookie season rough patches gave way to All-NBA-level defense and a championship-ready arc for Oklahoma City. He recalls Kawhi Leonard lighting up his first NBA moment and Kevin Durant's fiery return game against OKC, memories that sharpened his two-way approach and leadership.

Three years later Williams anchors OKC's ceiling, translating those early trials into a versatile game and steady fantasy potential. Durant's era-defining nights and the Nets-to-Suns pivot frame the league's high bar and underscore Williams' rise as a high-upside, multi-stat contributor.

An NBA insider argues the Chicago Bulls should chase Luguentz Dort on a massive next-summer deal, even if Chicago must renounce Dort’s current team option first. Dort’s mix of lockdown perimeter defense and rising shooting makes him a coveted two-way swingman, and his impending free agency would draw a crowded market. The Thunder face decisions with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren looming on big extensions, which could influence Dort’s future and Chicago’s bid.

The piece notes Chicago’s guard-heavy, defense-light roster and questions whether Dort would align with an aimless Bulls, despite his All-Defensive pedigree and 3-point-volume. If Sam Presti’s finances force Dort out, Chicago would pounce; if not, Dort’s market could still outpace any offer Chicago can assemble, complicating the free-agent chase for next summer.

OKC Thunder fans expect 61-70 wins in 2025-26 (80.6% vote for 61-70) after a 68-win title season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren signed contract extensions, locking in Oklahoma City’s core. Offseason chatter was quiet, with a focus on running it back. Health and strategic load management could shape regular-season pace as they chase another deep playoff run.

With the same roster and a championship mindset, the Thunder face a balance: press for momentum while protecting the big three for May. Training camp looms, and optimism rides on Holmgren’s return, Williams’ growth, and SGA’s continued elite production as the centerpiece of OKC’s attack.