The Oklahoma City Thunder reached the NBA Finals for just the second time in franchise history, and they’ve done it with a roster built from the ground up through one of the most carefully executed rebuilds in recent memory. Down 0-1 in the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton drained a clutch bucket with less than a second remaining to propel the Pacers to victory. However, that doesn’t take away from the historic team that Oklahoma City has constructed over the years.
In just 17 years of existence, the Thunder have reached five Western Conference Finals, developed three NBA Most Valuable Player winners, and now get a chance to capture their first championship. The current team, which won 68 games during the regular season— leads the league in point differential and has become the latest example of general manager Sam Presti’s disciplined long-view approach.
“The Thunder’s tremendous success through the draft and the effectiveness of the franchise’s scouting department is not by accident when you see GM Sam Presti at NBA-certified grassroots events,” Ballislife editor Ronnie Flores said. “That success is not a coincidence when you see him taking notes, paying attention and learning about as many players as possible while others at his level are going through the motions or playing on their phones during the event. It has paid off.”
Here’s a breakdown of how each member of the Thunder’s Finals roster was acquired.
Acquired via Trade
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, GAcquired in July 2019 from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the blockbuster Paul George deal. The Thunder received Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks and two pick swaps. Gilgeous-Alexander has since become the face of the franchise and was named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player.
Alex Caruso, GAcquired from the Chicago Bulls in July 2024 in exchange for Josh Giddey. Caruso brought veteran leadership and defensive toughness to the backcourt. A former NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, he has become a trusted presence and a key part of Oklahoma City’s defensive identity.
Kenrich Williams, FAcquired in the 2020 offseason from the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a four-team trade that sent Steven Adams to New Orleans. Williams provides versatility and veteran poise off the bench.
Ousmane Dieng, FAcquired on draft night in 2022 after Oklahoma City sent multiple first-round picks to the New York Knicks to move up and select Dieng at No. 11 overall.
Thunder Players Acquired via NBA Draft
Jalen Williams, FSelected No. 12 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft using a pick obtained from the Clippers in the Paul George trade. Williams has emerged as a two-way standout and earned All-NBA honors in 2025.
Chet Holmgren, C/FDrafted No. 2 overall in 2022 with the Thunder’s own lottery selection. Holmgren missed his rookie season due to injury but returned to anchor the defense and finished as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
Cason Wallace, GSelected No. 10 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Thunder traded up to acquire Wallace, who has become a reliable defender and efficient backcourt contributor.
Jaylin Williams, F/CSelected No. 34 overall in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Williams has grown into a key frontcourt option known for his physicality and hustle.
Aaron Wiggins, G/FDrafted No. 55 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Wiggins has carved out a valuable role as a two-way wing and had a 41-point performance this season.
Thunder Players Acquired via Free Agency
Isaiah Hartenstein, CSigned in the 2024 offseason on a three-year, $87 million contract. Hartenstein has anchored the frontcourt during the Thunder’s playoff run, bringing rebounding and interior toughness.
Luguentz Dort, GSigned as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NBA Draft. Dort quickly became a fixture in the rotation for his elite perimeter defense and remains one of the team’s emotional leaders.
Isaiah Joe, GSigned in 2022 after being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers. Joe has become one of the NBA’s most dangerous spot-up shooters and a vital scoring threat off the bench.
Thunder Positioned for the Present — and Future
While the Thunder are playing for a championship in 2025, the organization is far from finished. Under Presti, Oklahoma City has quietly amassed one of the largest collections of future draft capital in NBA history — a war chest that ensures the franchise will remain competitive for years to come.
The Thunder are set to enter the 2025 NBA Draft with two first-round selections — No. 15 overall (from the Miami Heat, unprotected) and No. 24 (via a Clippers pick swap stemming from the Paul George trade). They also own the No. 44 overall pick in the second round, acquired from Atlanta in a 2023 deal involving Patty Mills.
Several additional first-round picks did not convey this year due to protections. Oklahoma City will instead roll over a top-4 protected pick from the Philadelphia 76ers and a top-8 protected pick from the Utah Jazz into the 2026 draft, adding to their haul.
Notable Draft Assets
Here’s a breakdown of the Thunder’s notable draft assets moving forward:
2026 Draft
First-round picks: Oklahoma City’s own, Philadelphia (top-4 protected), and Utah (top-8 protected).
Second-round picks: Oklahoma City’s own, plus potential swap rights with Dallas or Philadelphia.
2027 Draft
First-round picks: Oklahoma City’s own, Denver (top-5 protected), and swap rights with the Clippers.
Second-round picks: Oklahoma City’s own, plus one via Houston, Indiana, or Miami.
2028 Draft
First-round picks: Oklahoma City’s own, with swap rights with the Mavericks.
Second-round picks: From Milwaukee, Utah and OKC.
2029 Draft
First-round picks: Oklahoma City’s own, and Denver (top-5 protected, or becomes a second in 2030).
Second-round picks: From Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, and OKC.
2030 and 2031 Drafts
First-round picks: Oklahoma City retains its own selections in both drafts.
Second-round picks: Multiple incoming second-rounders from Denver, Houston, Miami and swap rights with Orlando or New Orleans in 2031.
In total, the Thunder control at least 13 future first-round picks through 2031 and hold more than 20 second-round selections, many of them acquired from trades involving Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Chris Paul. With added flexibility from pick swap rights and minimal long-term salary commitments outside their core, Oklahoma City remains poised to outmaneuver most teams when it comes to adding talent — whether via draft, trade or free agency.
Down 0-1 in the NBA Finals, the OKC Thunder will host the Pacers for Game 2 on Sunday, June 8.
