The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a really, really good place. The team underwent a legendary rebuild, and they have now already proven themselves as legitimate title contenders. The Thunder improved from 24 to 57 wins in only two years en route to capturing the one seed in the Western Conference this year.
They found such success with the second-youngest roster in the NBA. With the core intact and locked up for years to come, the future is incredibly bright in Oklahoma City, especially considering you can still expect the team to develop internally. Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace were two of the best rookies in the league, Jalen Williams became a star by year two, and other projects like Ousmane Deing and Jaylin Williams still have a chance to become high-impact players down the road. Even starters like Shai Gilgeous-ALexander, Lu Dort, and Josh Giddey are only going to get better.
Not skipping steps has been a motto for the Thunder, and the team hasn't made the massive moves that many have expected them to recently. The team has a treasure trove of assets, though, so it is only fair to assume this may be the summer they finally make a big move, whether that be in the trade market or through free agency. The team has more future first round picks than anyone else, so they could trade for another superstar, but they are also slated to have $33 million in cap space this offseason.
Oklahoma City may choose to keep their draft capital and instead fill their needs in free agency. The Thunder prioritize high-IQ players who can move the basketball, so not every free agent will be a great fit. There are plenty of interesting options, though, so in this article, we are going to look at the three best potential free agent targets for the Thunder this offseason.
Pascal Siakam: Indiana Pacers, UFA
The Thunder haven't gone star hunting in recent offseasons, but if they do so this year, Pascal Siakam is a name that makes sense. I'll preface this by saying that it is unlikely Siakam joins the Thunder, but he will be one of the best players on the open market, and he makes sense from a fit perspective.
After trading for the star power forward at the NBA trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers are going to do whatever it takes to retain the two-time All-Star. Indiana's postseason success (they are currently in the Eastern Conference Finals) also means Siakam will likely want to return to Indiana anyways.
Still, this is the NBA, and you never know what could happen, especially considering Siakam is an unrestricted free agent. Siakam would improve a lot of Oklahoma City's biggest needs. His presence would allow Jalen Williams to move down to his more natural small forward position, and Josh Giddey (if he remains with the team) could move to a bench role where his lack of shooting would be less of an issue.
Siakam would also give more size to Oklahoma City's frontcourt alongside Chet Holmgren. The Thunder were one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA, and although Holmgren's skinny frame wasn't as big of an issue as some thought it would be, it would still be nice to get a little more bulk in the front court. Siakam could help with rebounding duties and interior defense when need be.
Siakam was available via trade before the trade deadline, and despite having the trade assets to get a deal done, the Thunder decided not to pursue the former Toronto Raptor. That means Oklahoma City is probably an unlikely home for Siakam. The fit makes sense if these two sides do decide to get involved in contract negotiations, though.
Nic Claxton: Brooklyn Nets, UFA
As stated above, rebounding is arguably the Thunder's biggest need. However, giving a big contract to someone who cannot play alongside Holmgren doesn't make sense. The 2022 draftee was second in Rookie of the Year voting this season after missing his would be rookie season due to injury. He proved his worth to the Thunder and his status as one of the brightest young stars in the league.
Claxton is a starting-caliber center, too, but the two could share the court together. Holmgren has experience at the power forward position, and he shot the three-ball incredibly well. The Gonzaga product could play stints at the four while Claxton takes on the burden of guarding centers. Claxton is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, and with Holmgren's help side rim protection, the duo would be one of the hardest to score on in the interior in the league.
Additionally, Claxton could see time with the backup unit. Jaylin Williams has had his moments as Oklahoma City's backup center, but the team could use an upgrade at that position. The team lacks size in their starting lineup, but that is an even bigger issue with the backups, and it has caused Mark Daigneault to use small ball lineups more than he probably should.
Spacing and defensive versatility are two of the Thunder's strong suits, so adding a bulking center who doesn't fit the vision that the team has built doesn't make a lot of sense. Claxton is a modern-day center with a skillset somewhat similar (without the shooting) of Holmgren's, so he could make a lot of sense as a free agent target.
Claxton will likely demand a hefty salary this offseason, but he also isn't going to break the bank as much as a former All-Star like Siakam would. He could provide an upgrade for the team without changing the team's dynamic too much.
Isaiah Hartenstein: New York Knicks, UFA
As mentioned above, it wouldn't make sense to bring in a center that will steal minutes away from Holmgren. Although he has shined since becoming a starter for the Knicks, Isaiah Hartenstein has plenty of experience as a backup center. He would be just about the perfect fit to come off the bench in relief of Holmgren, too.
Hartenstein is one of the best passing centers in the league. On an offense that likes to keep the ball moving, Hartenstein wouldn't slow down the Thunder's fluidity on that end like a number of backup centers would (think Andre Drummond). He also provides traditional center skills like rebounding and screening.
Hartenstein has earned a bigger role, and the Thunder might not be able to provide him with that, especially if they are committed to playing Holmgren exclusively at the five. The team will have more than enough money to pry him away from New York, though, and coming off of the bench might be Hartenstein's long term home anyways. At only 26-years-old, Hartenstein still fits the Thunder's timeline.
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