Oklahoma City Thunder 2025-26 Preview: Can OKC Repeat as NBA Champions?

Fresh off securing their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, the Thunder enter the 2025-26 season with sky-high expectations and dreams of back-to-back titles.

With nearly every key contributor returning and the entire foundation secured with new contract extensions, Oklahoma City is positioned to pursue a historic repeat — something not seen since the Golden State Warriors’ consecutive triumphs in 2017 and 2018.

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Offseason Recap: Stability and Continuity

Oklahoma City’s approach to the offseason was clear: keep the core intact. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren have all signed long-term deals, while virtually the entire rotation that delivered last year’s championship remains on board. The Thunder also preserved nearly all of their minutes from the title run, ensuring chemistry and cohesion heading into 2025-26.

In the draft, OKC added Thomas Sorber (18th overall pick), though he will unfortunately sit out the entire season due to an ACL injury suffered in the summer. Meanwhile, Nikola Topić, last year’s 12th pick, is finally set to debut after missing his rookie campaign recovering from knee surgery, though his season start will be delayed by at least a month due to a minor procedure. Apart from the departure of Dillon Jones via trade, continuity is the theme as OKC aims to build on its new legacy.

Youth with Experience

The Thunder may be loaded with rising stars barely in their mid-20s, but they now boast invaluable playoff experience and a championship pedigree. The bulk of the roster remains under 27 years old, bolstered by savvy veterans like Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams. With General Manager Sam Presti still holding a surplus of future draft picks, the organization enters the upcoming season positioned for both immediate and sustained success.

The X-Factor: Jalen Williams’ Emergence

Jalen Williams, fresh off a breakout third season featuring his first All-Star appearance and a slew of postseason honors, represents Oklahoma City’s biggest X-factor. The fourth-year forward has grown into an elite scorer and secondary playmaker, highlighted by his memorable 40-point performance in the NBA Finals. With his development accelerating each season and only 24 years old, Williams could provide the added firepower OKC needs to stay ahead of a competitive Western Conference.

One Big Question: Can the Defense Stay Elite?

While scoring shouldn’t be an issue for a team led by Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren, Oklahoma City’s championship run was sparked by its suffocating, high-pressure defense. The Thunder led the league in turnover differential and featured three of the NBA’s top ballhawks in steals per game. Defensive standouts like Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, and Caruso — alongside the two-way excellence of their superstars — make OKC a nightmare matchup. For this team to repeat, they must maintain the relentless defensive energy that fueled last year’s title surge.

Fantasy and Analyst Outlook

The fantasy basketball world views OKC as a team loaded with productive stars. Following a blistering 68-14 campaign and their historic title, Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren all figure as elite options in fantasy leagues. Experts also highlight OKC’s rapid rebuild and believe the young, deep roster could signal the birth of an enduring dynasty.

NBA analysts, including The Athletic’s David Aldridge, have praised Oklahoma City’s aggressive moves to keep the core together, though future financial hurdles loom as extensions for multiple stars will eventually test the team’s cap flexibility. For now, however, the path is clear for at least two more seasons of championship contention.