NBA insiders predict that it is extremely unlikely for the 2025 NBA champion from the Thunder to be traded
The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured a spot in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, forcing a decisive showdown against the Indiana Pacers. This thrilling turn of events caps off an extraordinary season for the Thunder, who clinched the #1 seed in the Western Conference and finished with a record of 68-14, the best in the NBA.
The Thunder's success can be attributed to a blend of drafted talent and veteran additions. The core group of stars and key role players, expected to return for the 2025-26 season, includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Topic, and Thomas Sorber.
Nikola Topic, the 12th overall pick by OKC in 2024, is set to return for the 2025-26 season after missing the entire season due to injury. A polished European player, Topic's return could potentially reduce the playing time of depth players like Isaiah Joe.
Isaiah Joe, who ranked 3rd in stable catch-and-shoot 3PT% with a percentage of 41.7% during the 2024-25 season, played in 21 of OKC's 23 games during their championship run. Joe was mentioned as a trade candidate by NBA insider Sam Amico, but it is "highly unlikely" that OKC trades anyone from their championship roster for the upcoming season.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti has been working tirelessly for years to build a championship lineup for Oklahoma City, and it seems his efforts have finally paid off. The Thunder's roster is one of the youngest in the NBA, with their oldest player being 31-year-old Alex Caruso.
The Thunder's 2024-25 season was a career-best year for Isaiah Joe in terms of points (10.2), rebounds (2.6), assists (1.6), minutes played (21.7), and starts (16). Over his three seasons with the Thunder, Joe played in 225 games and made 27 starts.
Despite recent speculation, it appears that the Thunder are content with their roster and are not planning any major moves ahead of the 2025-26 season. The franchise is expected to integrate their 2024 and 2025 draft classes, particularly Topic and Sorber, into the mix for the upcoming campaign.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's journey to the 2025 NBA championship is a testament to Presti's vision and the team's relentless pursuit of success. As they prepare for the 2025-26 season, the Thunder's fans can look forward to another exciting year of basketball with this talented and promising roster.
[1] Sources: ESPN, NBA.com, Hoops Wire, The Athletic.
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