Recapping The Oklahoma City Thunder Offseason Moves
The NBA offseason is fully underway as the draft was last week and free agency continues to heat up. Many teams have been making a lot of buzz, one being the Oklahoma City Thunder who have made several huge roster moves in hopes of a deep playoff run this upcoming season.
Oklahoma City Thunder Roster Moves
Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams
Traded For Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso
Thunder Receive: Alex Caruso
Bulls Receive: Josh Giddey
The Thunder add a two-time all-defensive player and someone who can shoot the three ball well in Alex Caruso. He is coming off his best season in many of the major stat categories such as PPG (10.1), REB/G (3.8), FG% (46.8%), and BLK/G (1.0).
One of the reasons why Giddey was dealt is because he did not want to come off the bench. I understand he doesn’t want to lose minutes, but if it’s for the better of the team then you need to put winning above yourself. Caruso brings the winning mentality that many, if not all, the Thunder players have. He plays with unmatched intensity and grit on both ends of the court and will boost the defense tremendously.
Caruso 2023-24 Stats
71 Games Played, 10.1 PPG, 3.8 REB/G, 3.5 AST/G, 40.8 3PT%
Signed Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein
The Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a 3-year deal worth 87 million dollars. OKC now has two players in their frontcourt who are 7 feet or taller (Chet Holmgren).
The Thunder were a top-five defensive team last year but with the additions of Caruso and Hartenstein, they may now have the best defense in the entire league. Not only will Hartenstein lock the paint down on the defensive side, but offensively he is a solid passer and he dominates the offensive boards. This past season he finished fifth in the league in offensive rebounds with 3.3 per game.
Yes, 29 million dollars per year is a lot for Hartenstein, but he is coming off a great year and I don’t think he is close to reaching his full potential. Also, if there is one thing I have learned about being a Thunder fan is no matter how crazy a move may seem, always trust GM Sam Presti.
Hartenstein 2023-24 Stats
75 Games Played, 7.8 PPG, 8.3 REB/G, 2.5 AST/G, 64.4 FG%
New Contracts For Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins
Aaron Wiggins
The Thunder also locked up two of their role players for the future after initially declining their club option in order to extend them for the long term.
Isaiah Joe signed a 4-year deal worth 48 million dollars and Aaron Wiggins signed a 5-year 47 million dollar deal.
Joe 2023-24 Stats
78 Games Played, 8.2 PPG, 2.3 REB/G, 1.3 AST/G, 41.6 3PT%
Wiggins 2023-24 Stats
78 Games Played, 6.9 PPG, 2.4 REB/G, 1.1 AST/G, 49.2 3PT%
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