The Oklahoma City Thunder are your 2024–25 NBA champions. That sentence hasn’t just felt inevitable this season—it’s felt like a full circle moment from the Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden era. Who would have thought that all OKC’s roster reshuffling- most notably the Paul George trade in 2019, would deliver a future MVP (in Shai Gilgeous- Alexander) and a treasure trove of first-round picks that would ultimately propel the Thunder to the mountaintop in just 6 years?
General Manager Sam Presti has masterfully transformed a franchise that lost over 50 regular season games as recently as 2022 into a well-oiled, championship winning machine. The Thunder’s rise wasn’t overnight—it was methodical, patient, and deeply intentional. After a gritty, thrilling, seven-game series win over the Indiana Pacers- the Thunder’s coronation felt like a natural evolution.
For most franchises, winning a championship is the end of a long road, where the culmination of hard work and sacrifice leads to the ultimate reward. For Oklahoma City, it might just be the beginning. Could this be the launchpad for an era of dominance?
Looking Ahead
The Thunder enter next season in an enviable position. Every full-time roster player—yes, all 15—is already under contract. Thanks to a smart mix of guaranteed deals, team options, and non-guaranteed contracts, there are no urgent personnel decisions looming.
Even better? As things stand, they’re not projected to pay the luxury tax in 2025–26, a major win that allows them to delay the onset of the more punitive repeater “luxury” tax. However, that flexibility won’t last long. With All- NBA star Jalen ‘J-Dub’ Williams and defensive anchor Chet Holmgrem both eligible for rookie extensions this offseason- things are about to get expensive. Both are expected to sign max contracts starting at 25% of the salary cap—roughly $42.5 million per year. However, if either earns MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or makes an All-NBA team, they become eligible for the ‘Rose Rule’ bump—boosting their max to 30% of the cap, or about $51 million per year. These deals could span five years and increase 8% annually. Part of the Thunder’s current strength lies in their affordability. As extensions kick in, tough financial choices will have to be made. Still, that’s a small price to pay if the championships keep coming to Oklahoma City.
The Thunder capped off their 2024-2025 season with 84 total wins-the 3rd most in NBA history.They now boast the reigning MVP in SGA, and a rising co-star in J-Dub, who earned his first All-NBA (3rd team) and All-Defensive (2nd team) honours this season. Chet continues to show tremendous upside, while young talents like Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins have emerged as bright prospects.
Adding to the excitement, last year’s lottery pick Nikola Topic, a gifted point guard, will return to the roster after missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL. It certainly feels like lightning might strike twice at OKC.
Strategic Additions and Subtractions
Several of OKC’s team options are tied to productive role players. Rather than simply declining them, the Thunder could take a creative approach—flipping those contracts for expiring deals or draft picks. And those picks are going to be significant.
In the 2025 draft, OKC owned an unprotected first-round pick from the Miami Heat and selected center Thomas Sorber—a defensive enforcer. Beyond that, an astonishing 10 1st-round picks are lined up between now and the 2030 draft. That gives the Thunder not only a chance to draft the next wave of elite talent but also unmatched flexibility in the trade market.
The vision is clear: build a sustainable, self-renewing cycle. Draft well. Win while players are on affordable contracts. Trade them before cap pressure hits. Reinvest those picks and repeat the process. If executed properly, the Thunder may never need to chase a blockbuster veteran addition.
But if they do? They’re armed and ready. Whether triggered by injuries, trade requests, or shifting league dynamics, OKC has the assets to adapt. They didn’t need a superstar trade to win this title—but it’s comforting to know they could pull one off if the time ever comes.
Competition Is Coming
The Thunder are setting the pace—and the rest of the league is scrambling to catch up. In a copycat league, Oklahoma City’s blueprint is hard to replicate. Young teams aren’t supposed to win like this: they play fast, aggressive, and with remarkable cohesion, particularly on the defensive end.
Other franchises are taking notes. The Orlando Magic recently acquired sharpshooter Desmond Bane to bolster their young core in an aggressive move from the franchise to capitalize on a weakened Eastern Conference, following long- term injuries to stars like Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard. The Houston Rockets added superstar Kevin Durant to their emerging roster, while the San Antonio Spurs paired Rutgers standout Dylan Harper with Victor Wembanyama—a generational talent who some believe could surpass SGA and become an all-time great.
Meanwhile, seasoned superstars remain major X-factors. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is uncertain. Nikola Jokic is still a dominant force in Denver and Luka Dončić- who already eliminated the Thunder in 2024 with ex-team Dallas Mavericks- continues to evolve as one of the league’s most dangerous players. The combination of Luka and NBA great LeBron James, coupled with the Lakers increased financial might of Mark Walter’s majority stake acquisition has the ‘purple and gold’ lurking as a potential disruptor.
The Western Conference is stacked and the league’s ‘parity era’ where 9 different champions have emerged in the last 12 years- the odds are steep for the Thunder to even return to the Finals, let alone win it all again.
A Dynasty in the Making?
While future projections swirl and new contenders emerge, one thing is certain: The Oklahoma City Thunder have arrived. Their Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers secured the franchise’s first-ever NBA title in OKC—and may have signalled the beginning of something far greater. The last true dynasty in the NBA was the Golden State Warriors during the Durant era-who incidentally are the last team to win back-to-back titles (2017 & 2018). While this Thunder squad may not be as star studded on paper, one could argue they’ve been just as dominant-breaking the NBA’s all-time record for scoring differential with an average margin of +12.9 points per game in 2024-2025 season. Remarkably, they’ve reached these heights while their core players have yet to hit their prime.
Whether this title marks a fleeting moment or the foundation of a dynasty depends on what comes next. But if their meteoric rise has taught us anything, it’s this: underestimate the Thunder at your own risk.
