After clinching first place in the Western Conference and reaching the second round of the playoffs, the only logical step for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 offseason was to build on their success.
The previous season’s win total was 42, which allowed Oklahoma City to climb to the top of the league much earlier than expected. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another MVP-worthy season, Chet Holmgren was one of the best rookies in the NBA, and the rest of the roster finally came together as a complete team.
But it wasn’t all perfect. Several issues arose for the Thunder, who lost to the Dallas Mavericks, particularly in rebounding and offensive consistency. To remain a true title contender this season, they had to make some key adjustments.
First, Josh Giddey’s fit on the roster had to be addressed. His season was up and down, leading to questions about his fit and future on the roster. Once the offseason began, Oklahoma City didn’t hesitate to move on from the man who seemed to be an integral part of its core to provide a better fit.
The Thunder acquired point guard Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in June in a Giddey trade, adding one of the league’s best 3&D players. He shot 40 percent from behind the arc last season, with second-team All-Defensive-level defense. Giddey struggled to space the floor and integrate him into the offense, but Caruso should fit right in.
Once free agency began, Oklahoma City brought in the biggest free agency signing in franchise history: Isaiah Hartenstein. The former New York Knick is both an elite paint defender and a rebounder, something the team sorely lacked outside of Holmgren. The addition brings a player who can both share the floor and play behind the franchise center, making the roster even more dynamic.
Plus, with a couple of draft picks (Dillon James and Ajay Mitchell will play, Nikola Topic will miss the season with an injury), the Thunder improved a roster that already ranked among the best in the league. Many teams struggle to do that in a single offseason, but Oklahoma City had a strong enough summer to maintain its success.
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