The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a significant roster move less than a week after clinching the NBA championship, trading young forward Dillon Jones and a 2029 second-round pick (via Houston) to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Colby Jones. The trade, announced on June 28, 2025, immediately saw Colby Jones waived by the Thunder, signaling a strategic roster adjustment by the reigning champions.
Dillon Jones, a 23-year-old forward, spent his rookie season (2024-2025) with the Thunder after being selected 26th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Thunder had acquired his draft rights by trading away five future second-round picks to the New York Knicks, a hefty price that reflected their belief in his potential. Over 54 games, Jones averaged 2.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, contributing primarily as a bench player.
Despite showing promise early in the season with consistent minutes off the bench, Jones saw his playing time diminish as the campaign progressed. Notably, he logged a DNP (Did Not Play) in 10 of the Thunder's 23 playoff games, underscoring the increasing difficulty he faced in securing a spot in the rotation of the championship-winning squad.
The Thunder's decision to trade Jones was influenced by their roster dynamics and salary cap considerations. With the addition of Thomas Sorber, the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Thunder needed to clear a roster spot within the 15-player limit. Additionally, the trade helped the Thunder move $9.5 million under the luxury tax threshold, a significant financial relief according to Spotrac contributor Keith Smith.
Colby Jones, who the Thunder received in the trade, is set to make $2.2 million in the upcoming 2025-2026 season and has a team option for the 2026-27 campaign, effectively making him an expiring contract. The Thunder opted for the shorter and less costly deal, also giving up a future second-round pick to facilitate the move.
Brooks Barnhizer, the 44th overall pick in the 2025 draft, will occupy one of the Thunder's three two-way contracts, as reported by ESPN's Jonathan Givony. This points to the Thunder's focus on balancing their roster with a blend of young talent on varying contract types to maintain flexibility.
For Dillon Jones, the trade to Washington represents a fresh start with a rebuilding Wizards team that is expected to offer him a greater opportunity to compete for playing time and develop his game. The Wizards, aiming to reshape their roster, could provide the young forward with the platform to showcase his skills more prominently than he could on the deep Thunder roster.
Jones is entering the second year of a four-year, $13.5 million contract, which the Wizards will inherit. His move to Washington follows a season where he was a 2024 first-rounder who struggled to find consistent minutes amid a championship-contending squad loaded with established talent.
The Thunder's roster is becoming increasingly competitive, with all of its rotational players returning and new additions from the recent draft class. This environment makes it challenging for players like Dillon Jones to secure a spot, especially as the team aims to maintain its championship-caliber status.
Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman noted that the Thunder's willingness to trade away multiple future picks for Jones initially demonstrated their commitment to investing in young talent. However, the quick turnaround in trading him away shows the fluid nature of NBA roster management, especially for teams balancing championship aspirations with salary cap constraints.
The trade highlights the ongoing business side of the NBA, where strategic moves are often necessary even shortly after major successes. As Martinez says, "The NBA is the business that never sleeps," and the Thunder's recent activity is a testament to that reality.
Looking ahead, the Wizards' acquisition of Dillon Jones could be a pivotal moment for the young forward’s career. With more playing time likely available in Washington, Jones has the chance to prove his worth and potentially carve out a larger role in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the Thunder's roster adjustments, including the integration of Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer, signal their intent to stay competitive while managing payroll and roster spots effectively. The balancing act between nurturing young talent and maintaining a championship roster is a delicate one, and these moves illustrate the front office's approach.
As the NBA offseason progresses, both teams will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their futures. For the Thunder, the focus remains on sustaining their championship momentum, while the Wizards look to rebuild and develop promising players like Dillon Jones.
With the trade now official, the basketball world will be keen to observe how Dillon Jones adapts to his new environment and whether he can capitalize on the fresh opportunity presented by the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City continues to fine-tune its roster in pursuit of back-to-back titles.
