The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t satisfied with just one ring. After capturing the 2025 NBA championship, OKC is heading into the new season locked in on something even tougher—going back-to-back.
It’s a challenge no team has pulled off since 2018, but with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander coming off an MVP year and a young core that’s only getting better, the Thunder believe they’ve got the roster to do it.
From Rebuild to Champions
It wasn’t long ago that OKC tore things down, trading away stars like Paul George for a treasure chest of draft picks. That gamble has officially paid off. With smart moves, patience, and the rise of SGA, the Thunder went from rebuilding to raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy in just a few years.
Shai’s MVP season was the cherry on top, as he carried the team deep into the playoffs and helped them finish the job in the Finals.
Thunder’s Projected 2025-26 Starting Lineup
The defending champs didn’t shake things up much this offseason. They used their first-round pick on big man Thomas Sorber, but otherwise kept the roster intact.
Here’s how their depth chart looks heading into the new year:
Starting Five
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Lu Dort
- Jalen Williams
- Chet Holmgren
- Isaiah Hartenstein
Key Second Unit
- Alex Caruso
- Aaron Wiggins
- Cason Wallace
- Kenrich Williams
- Thomas Sorber
Sorber probably won’t see heavy minutes right away, but he gives OKC some flexibility in the frontcourt so they don’t have to stagger Holmgren and Hartenstein too much. Plus, Nikola Topić made some noise in Summer League, and he could earn a spot in the rotation as the season goes on.
Eyes on a Dynasty
Winning one championship is tough. Winning two in a row is special. But OKC is thinking even bigger—they want a dynasty.
They made sure to lock in their future this summer, re-signing SGA to a $285 million deal after his MVP campaign. Both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also secured major extensions, keeping OKC’s big three together for years to come.
Of course, nothing comes easy in today’s NBA. The Denver Nuggets are still a powerhouse, and the Houston Rockets have loaded up too. But right now? The Thunder look like the most balanced roster in the league.
