OKC Thunder Staying On Top?

        The Oklahoma City Thunder finished number one in the Western Conference this past season and could remain on top given what they've done this summer. First, they acquired two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey, no picks involved. Next, they signed center Isaiah Hartenstein from free agency. Finally, they re-signed Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe on long-term deals that could be seen as team-friendly soon. 

    Alex Caruso is a highly respect role player around the entire league. To acquire someone like that without giving up a pick is only the kind of work Thunder General Manager Sam Presti could pull off. Unlike Giddey, Caruso does not need the ball to make an impact on the court, he shot 40.6% on catch-and-shoot threes. He is entering the final year of his current contract and will be eligible for a four-year, $80 million extension exactly six months from the date he got traded, which was June 20. The Thunder are ready to offer that to him as they want to maintain him for their future. 

        In the playoffs, the Thunder struggled to rebound even with Chet Holmgren on the court. They potentially fixed that after signing Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal in free agency. He's a solid rebounder and brings a lot of hustle to the team. Hartenstein can play as a starter or a backup but what could be an interesting idea is him starting along with Chet Holmgren. Holmgren did shoot 37% from three-point range this season so if the Thunder choose to go that route there is still some good spacing on the floor. Regardless, adding a great veteran big man was another brilliant move by Presti. 

        Isaiah Joe was in the top 20 best three-point percentage during the regular season, 41.6%. He has risen as a three-point shooter since arriving in Oklahoma City. This summer, the Thunder declined his team option with the intent of re-signing Joe to a long-term deal. It was reported by Shams Charania that the Thunder re-signed Joe to a four-year, $48 million extension. If he continues to improve as a three-point shooter, this contract could be seen as team-friendly, just another great move by Presti. 

        Aaron Wiggins is another great three-point shooter, shot 49.2% from long distance this season. He's just a solid bench piece that adds depth for the Thunder and does the little things that leave a great impact on the game. The Thunder declined his team option this summer with the intent to re-sign Wiggins to a long-term deal like they did with Joe. Shams Charania reported he will return to Oklahoma City on a new five-year, $47 million contract. The Thunder retain their core and add a couple great veteran pieces, they will continue to be a huge threat in the Western Conference.