The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off their triumphant 2025 NBA Championship run, are entering their 18th season in Oklahoma City with a swagger and optimism that’s hard to match. Since their relocation from Seattle in 2008, the Thunder have crafted a legacy of excellence, boasting deep playoff runs, a string of All-NBA representatives, and the rare distinction of fielding three different MVP winners. But as the new season looms, the question on everyone’s mind is: can this team become the NBA’s next great dynasty?
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Thunder’s journey from plucky upstarts to perennial contenders has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the steady hand of Sam Presti, Oklahoma City has not only rebuilt and retooled on the fly, but maintained a culture of winning that’s the envy of small-market franchises everywhere. As of September 19, 2025, they’re not just champions—they’re favorites to do it again, and perhaps again after that.
Central to this optimism is the thunderous core of talent that defines today’s roster. The trio of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising star Jalen Williams, and the versatile Chet Holmgren headlines a squad that’s as deep as any in the league. Add in the tactical brilliance of 2024 Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault and what many consider the NBA’s deepest bench, and you’ve got a recipe for sustained greatness. But what truly sets Oklahoma City apart isn’t just their present—it’s their future.
Since embarking on a bold rebuild in 2019, following the departures of Russell Westbrook and Paul George, the Thunder have stockpiled draft capital at an unprecedented rate. Over the next seven years, they boast 13 incoming first-round picks and a staggering 29 picks in total. That’s not just a safety net—it’s a launchpad. As one league observer put it, “First-round equity is key to OKC Thunder becoming a true dynasty.” The ability to continually inject high-upside, cost-controlled talent into the roster is a luxury few contenders enjoy, and it’s a major reason why many believe the Thunder’s championship window is just opening.
Of course, with great success comes financial complexity. The Thunder’s front office committed a jaw-dropping $877.21 million in new standard deals this offseason, with $822 million earmarked for the trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. Yet, in a testament to savvy cap management, Oklahoma City enters the 2025-26 campaign $10.6 million below the luxury tax threshold of $187,895,000. The real challenge, however, looms in 2026-27, when projections have the Thunder $24 million over the second apron, set at $222,372,000. Navigating these new tax apron rules will test even the league’s best front office, but Oklahoma City seems poised for the challenge.
How will they do it? Flexibility is the name of the game. The Thunder may need to make tough decisions on players with club options—names like Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein could be on the chopping block, potentially slashing $35.6 million from the payroll. But here’s where that draft capital shines: in the 2026 NBA Draft alone, Oklahoma City could wield up to four first-round selections. This gives Sam Presti and company the chance to reload with high-upside, rookie-scale contracts—exactly the kind of cost-efficient talent needed to keep the championship train rolling without running afoul of the NBA’s financial rules.
“Developing homegrown players acquired through the draft and unrestricted free agency is now the key for any title-hopeful team to navigate around these limitations,” notes Thunder Wire. The Thunder’s ability to churn their supporting cast with talented young players is a major reason why the front office is widely regarded as the best in the association. It’s a balancing act—one that requires both patience and boldness—but Oklahoma City has shown time and again that they’re up to the task.
But let’s not forget the on-court heroes who’ve defined the Thunder’s identity. As the franchise prepares for its 18th season, Thunder Wire recently ranked the top five centers in Oklahoma City history—a testament to the pivotal role the position has played in OKC’s success.
At number five is Kendrick Perkins (2011-2015), whose stats—4.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game on 46.3% shooting—don’t tell the full story. Perkins brought championship pedigree and defensive grit, helping the Thunder reach three Western Conference Finals and an NBA Finals. He was a locker room leader, trusted to anchor the paint against legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan.
Fourth on the list is Ene Kanter Freedom (2015-2017), a scoring and rebounding machine off the bench. Averaging 14.2 points and 8.0 rebounds on 56.2% shooting, Kanter was a vital Sixth Man, especially during the 2016 playoff run against the Spurs. “The Thunder wouldn’t have beaten the Spurs in the 2016 playoffs without Kanter Freedom,” notes Thunder Wire. Though defense wasn’t his forte, his offensive prowess was undeniable.
Isaiah Hartenstein, a more recent addition (2024-present), claims the third spot. In just over a season, he’s averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 58.1% shooting. Hartenstein played a crucial role in the 2024-25 championship team, showcasing versatility and secondary playmaking. While his Thunder tenure is young, his impact has been immediate and substantial.
Steven Adams, the beloved enforcer (2003-2018), ranks second. Over 15 seasons, Adams averaged 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 58.9%. Known for his toughness and offensive rebounding, Adams was the perfect pick-and-roll partner for Westbrook and a fan favorite whose development story remains one of the franchise’s best.
And at number one? Chet Holmgren (2022-present), the crown jewel of OKC’s recent rebuild. Despite injury setbacks, Holmgren’s impact has been immense: 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 blocks, 51.9% shooting, and 37.2% from three. He was the third-best player on the 2024-25 title team, a defensive anchor and a tantalizing offensive talent. As Thunder Wire puts it, “If he can stay healthy, he could easily carve out a path to being an All-Star player and future Defensive Player of the Year winner.”
With a championship core, a treasure trove of draft picks, and a front office that’s always two steps ahead, the Thunder aren’t just resting on their laurels. They’re building for something bigger—a dynasty that could define the next decade of NBA basketball. As Oklahoma City gears up for another run, fans and rivals alike are watching closely. The Thunder’s storm shows no signs of letting up.
