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Deutsch2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season
| 2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Mark Daigneault |
| General manager | Sam Presti |
| Owners | Professional Basketball Club LLC Clay Bennett (Chairman) |
| Arena | Paycom Center |
| Results | |
| Record | 0–0 |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | Bally Sports Oklahoma |
| Radio | KWPN and WWLS-FM |
The 2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder season will be the 17th season of the franchise in Oklahoma City and the 59th in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Previous season[edit]
The Thunder finished the 2023–24 season 57–25 to finish first in the Northwest Division, first in the Western conference and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Thunder won its first round series, sweeping the New Orleans Pelicans before losing to the fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks in six games.
| Season | Record | Seeding |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 24–58 | 14th |
| 2022–23 | 40–42 | 10th |
| 2023–24 | 57–25 | 1st |
With the return of Chet Holmgren from injury, the Thunder again exceeded their win expectations behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and second-year forward Jalen Williams. Gilgeous-Alexander finished second in MVP voting behind 30.1 points on a career high 53.5% field goal percentage.
Offseason[edit]
Draft[edit]
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | School/club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Nikola Topić | PG |  Serbia | Crvena Zvezda |
| Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell were later traded to the Thunder | |||||
The Thunder had one first-round pick entering the draft. The pick – originally acquired from the Houston Rockets – had a 1.50% chance to win the first pick, acquired through the Russell Westbrook trade in 2019.[1] With an 85.2% chance at staying at twelfth, the Thunder ended the night with the 12th overall pick.
On draft night, the Thunder selected Nikola Topić out of Crvena Zvezda in Serbia with the 12th pick. Coming out of Crvena zvezda, Topić averaged 15.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, being named the ABA League Top Prospect Award winner. In the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship, Topić led Serbia to the gold meal, scoring 24 points in the championship game.[2] Listed as 6'6", Topić drew comparisons to Josh Giddey and Goran Dragić as a big guard with excellent pace when driving to the basket and a great distributor.[3] The Thunder then traded five future second-round picks to the New York Knicks in exchange for the draft rights to Dillon Jones, the 26th overall pick. A four-year senior out of Weber State, Jones averaged 20.8 points on 48.9% shooting, 9.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.0 steals, finishing fifth in school history in points, third in rebounds, second in assists, and first in steals. In his last season, Jones led the Big Sky Conference in total points, defensive rebounds, and assists per games, being named the Big Sky Player of the Year.[4] In a series of trades, the Thunder acquired the draft rights to Ajay Mitchell, the 38th overall pick, from the New York Knicks in exchange for the draft rights to Oso Ighodaro and cash considerations after first acquiring the draft rights to Quinten Post from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Lindy Waters III and then acquiring the draft rights to Ighodaro from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the draft rights to Post and cash considerations.[5] Mitchell played three seasons for UC Santa Barbara, averaging 20.0 points on 50.4% shooting, being named to the All-Big West First Team and second in the Big West Conference in points per game last season. Described by having a solid frame, Mitchell is seen as a project player needing to work on his shooting form.[6]
The Thunder ended 2024 NBA draft night with Serbian guard Nikola Topić, Weber State guard Dillon Jones, and UC Santa Barbara guard Ajay Mitchell.
Free agency[edit]
For this offseason, free agency began on June 30, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. EST. Bismack Biyombo, Gordon Hayward, Mike Muscala were set to hit unrestricted free agency while two-way players Keyontae Johnson and Olivier Sarr were set to hit restricted free agency. In addition, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins had an upcoming team option heading into the season.[7] On June 29, the Thunder declined Isaiah Joe's and Aaron Wiggins's team option in order to work on long-term deals with Joe and Wiggins.[8] On July 1, it was reported that Isaiah Joe agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract to re-sign with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 7.[9] In two seasons, Joe averaged 8.8 points on 41.2% three-point shooting, ranking 18th in the league in three-point shooting. On the same day, it was reported that Aaron Wiggins agreed to a five-year, $47 million contract to re-sign with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 7. Originally from the 2021 NBA draft, Wiggins averaged 6.9 points, shooting a career-high 56.2% from the field and 49.2% from three-point range.[10]
On July 1, it was reported that Isaiah Hartenstein agreed to a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder, which he later signed on July 6.[11] Beginning his career with the Houston Rockets, Hartenstein developed with the LA Clippers and spent the last two seasons with the New York Knicks, starting 49 games for the Knicks following Mitchell Robinson's injury. During the 2023–24 season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds. 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks on 64.4% shooting. With Hartenstein, the Thunder addressed their rebounding issues after ranking 28th in the league in rebounding percentage.[12]
Trades[edit]
On June 21, the Thunder acquired Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey.[13] Caruso, who started his professional career for the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League, has been a two-time All-Defensive Team member, averaged a career-high 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 46.8% shooting and 40.8% three-point shooting last season. Being honored the 2024 NBA Hustle Award, Caruso led the league in deflections per game and was the only player in the league to record 130-plus threes, 100-plus steals, and 70-plus blocks last season. With the emergence of Jalen Williams, Giddey averaged a career-low 12.3 points in only 25.1 minutes per game. Despite improving his three-point shooting, Giddey was inconsistent, resulting in defenses sagging off of him that led to the head coach Mark Daigneault benching him during the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks.[14] Thunder general manager Sam Presti quoted that the Thunder planned to bring Giddey off the bench next season, however Giddey revealed he wasn't "overly eager."[13]
Summer League[edit]
Salt Lake City
The Thunder participated in the 2024 Salt Lake City Summer League alongside the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and the Philadelphia 76ers. This marked the third straight year the Thunder participated in the round-robin showcase. On July 7, the Thunder announced their summer league roster for Salt Lake City which notably featured Ousmane Dieng, Keyontae Johnson, Adam Flagler, Dillon Jones, and Ajay Mitchell.[15]
Day 1 – July 8 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder 92, Philadelphia 76ers 102 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 26–26, 25–32, 18–18, 23–26 | ||
| Pts: Flagler (18) Rebs: Jones (10) Asts: Jones (7) | Pts: Council (29) Rebs: Aluma & Council (8) Asts: Dowtin & Hampton (4) | |
Day 2 – July 9 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder 98, Utah Jazz 75 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 29–18, 29–24, 19–14, 21–21 | ||
| Pts: Jones (21) Rebs: Kelley (8) Asts: Mitchell (10) | Pts: Lofton Jr. & Sensabaugh (18) Rebs: Bazley (8) Asts: Lofton Jr. (4) | |
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah Attendance: 8,583 Referees: Gina Catanzariti, Cam Garber, Kastine Evans |
Day 3 – July 10 |
| Memphis Grizzlies 77, Oklahoma City Thunder 80 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 20–19, 13–15, 18–18, 26–28 | ||
| Pts: Jemison (20) Rebs: Jarreau & Jemison (8) Asts: Pippen Jr. (5) | Pts: Mitchell (21) Rebs: Johnson (7) Asts: Dieng (8) | |
Las Vegas
The Thunder participated in the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League following a 2–1 record in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Head coach Daniel Dixon announced that Ousmane Dieng will sit out in Las Vegas after playing three games in Utah, averaging 15.7 points on 34.6% shooting.[16]
Roster[edit]
| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Roster |
Transactions[edit]
Overview[edit]
| Players Added Via draft Via trade
Via free agency | Players Lost Via trade Via retirement |
Trades[edit]
| June 21, 2024[13] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Alex Caruso | To Chicago Bulls Josh Giddey |
| June 26, 2024[2] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Draft rights to Dillon Jones | To New York Knicks Five second-round picks |
| June 27, 2024[5] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Draft rights to Quinten Post (No. 52) | To Golden State Warriors Lindy Waters III |
| June 27, 2024[5] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Draft rights to Oso Ighodaro (No. 40) | To Golden State Warriors Draft rights to Quinten Post (No. 52) Cash considerations |
| June 27, 2024[5] | To Oklahoma City Thunder Draft rights to Ajay Mitchell (No. 38) | To New York Knicks Draft rights to Oso Ighodaro (No. 40) Cash considerations |
Free agency[edit]
Re-signings[edit]
| Date | Player | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| July 7, 2024 | Isaiah Joe[17] | Multi-Year |
| July 7, 2024 | Aaron Wiggins[18] | Multi-Year |
Additions[edit]
| Date | Player | Contract | Former team |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 2024 | Isaiah Hartenstein[19] | Multi-Year | New York Knicks |
| July 16, 2024 | Alex Ducas[20] | Two-Way |  Saint Mary's (NCAA) |
Subtractions[edit]
| Date | Player | Reason | New team |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2024 | Bismack Biyombo | Free Agent | |
| June 30, 2024 | Gordon Hayward | Free Agent | |
| June 30, 2024 | Keyontae Johnson | Free Agent | |
| June 30, 2024 | Mike Muscala[21] | Retired | N/A |
| June 30, 2024 | Olivier Sarr | Free Agent |
References[edit]
- ^ "Oklahoma City Acquires Chris Paul, Two First-Round Draft Picks and the Right to Two Swap Picks". nba.com. July 16, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ a b "Thunder Selects Nikola Topić in the 2024 NBA Draft". nba.com. June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ "2024 NBA DRAFT PROFILE: Nikola Topic". nba.com. July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ "2024 NBA DRAFT PROFILE: Dillon Jones". nba.com. July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Thunder Acquires Draft Rights to Ajay Mitchell". nba.com. June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
- ^ "2024 NBA DRAFT PROFILE: Ajay Mitchell". nba.com. July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ "2024 NBA DRAFT PROFILE: Oklahoma City Thunder". nba.com. July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ "OKC Thunder to decline options on Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins for new contracts, per report". oklahoman.com. June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ "Free agent sharpshooter Isaiah Joe has agreed to a new four-year, $48 million deal to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Joe joined OKC after being waived by the 76ers in 2022, and now earns a long-term contract". x.com. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "Sources: The Oklahoma City Thunder and free agent F Aaron Wiggins have agreed to a new five-year, $47 million deal. After OKC declined his $2M team option, Wiggins receives $45M in new money, with a significant raise next season. Thunder lock in a key rotation piece long-term". x.com. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "BREAKING: Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein plans to sign a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hartenstein departs the Knicks for an enormous contract and gives OKC a new anchor inside". x.com. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "Thunder Sign Isaiah Hartenstein To Three-Year Deal". hoopsrumors.com. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Thunder Acquires Alex Caruso". nba.com. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
- ^ "Josh Giddey out of starting lineup for Thunder vs Mavericks in Game 5 of NBA playoffs". oklahoman.com. May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ "Thunder Announces 2024 Summer League Roster". nba.com. July 7, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ "Ousmane Dieng to sit out remainder of 2024 Summer League". okcthunderwire.com. July 12, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
- ^ "Thunder Signs Isaiah Joe to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 7, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ "Thunder Signs Aaron Wiggins to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 7, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ "Thunder Signs Isaiah Hartenstein to Multi-Year Contract". nba.com. July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "Thunder Signs Alex Ducas to Two-Way Contract". nba.com. July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ "Mike Muscala set to retire from NBA after second stint with OKC Thunder". oklahoman.com. July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.