Thunder Top $165 Million Cap as $41.25 Million Extensions Squeeze 2026 Free Agency
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · May 31
Thunder Top $165 Million Cap as $41.25 Million Extensions Squeeze 2026 Free Agency
8 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · May 31
$41.25 million extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams push Oklahoma City above the projected $165 million 2026 salary cap, even before key team-option decisions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is owed $40.8 million, while Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams add sizable salaries that leave the Thunder focused on staying under the $222 million second apron.
Team options on Isaiah Hartenstein at $28.5 million, Lu Dort at $18.2 million and Kenrich Williams at $7.2 million will shape likely salary-shedding trades, with Joe, Wiggins and even Jalen Williams mentioned as possible cap casualties or trade pieces.
No. 12 and No. 17 draft picks give OKC cheap roster options, but free agency is expected to be limited to minimum-contract veterans rather than a major addition after the Spurs ended the Thunder's title defense.
After their 'last cheap season,' can the Thunder's draft-heavy model survive the NBA's punitive new financial rules?
Is trading defensive anchor Lu Dort a necessary sacrifice or a fatal flaw in the Thunder's quest for a dynasty?