Oklahoma City Thunder News

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Cason Wallace • PG • Thunder

Cason Wallace Lines Up for Full-Time Starting Role

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace is expected to slide into the starting shooting guard spot after the team moved Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins for financial reasons, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Wallace already made 58 starts last season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 26.6 minutes, so the fantasy bump comes down to touches more than trust. He is extension-eligible until October, giving Oklahoma City another reason to clarify his long-term role. Ajay Mitchell also benefits after a 13.6-point breakout, but Wallace has the cleaner path to defensive stats and starter-level minutes.

Yesterday

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Back in Oklahoma City for Offseason Work

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is back at the team's practice facility ahead of training camp, posting a photo from the building on his Instagram story Monday, according to Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $75 million extension in June that runs through 2028-29, keeping his frontcourt role secure. Hartenstein was limited to 47 games last season, averaging 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 24.2 minutes while shooting 62.2 percent from the field. Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams keep the ceiling in check, but Hartenstein's rebounds, assists, and efficiency still give him a useful fantasy lane when healthy.

2 days ago

Cason Wallace • PG • Thunder

Cason Wallace Faces Extension Deadline with Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace remains unsigned to a rookie-scale extension, with the 2023 draft class deadline set for Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. CT, according to Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. The 22-year-old is coming off his best season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 26.6 minutes across 77 games. Wallace led the NBA with 150 total steals and earned All-Defensive Second Team honors, giving him a fantasy floor even without heavy usage. Luguentz Dort's trade to Atlanta creates a clearer path to start next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though Wallace still needs more scoring consistency to become more than a defensive-category anchor.

2 days ago

Aday Mara • C • Thunder

Aday Mara Blocks Four Shots in Spain's Loss to Portugal

Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara posted 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four blocks in Spain's 95-89 loss to Portugal on Friday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The No. 12 pick in June's draft went 3-for-8 from the field and 6-for-7 at the line in 19 minutes, while Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta countered with 16 points and nine rebounds for Portugal. The rim protection tracks with Mara's Michigan profile after he averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks en route to Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and a national title. Oklahoma City's frontcourt is crowded, though, with Isaiah Hartenstein back on a fresh three-year deal, Chet Holmgren locked into heavy minutes, and Jaylin Williams and Thomas Sorber also in the backup mix. Mara remains off fantasy radars until that logjam thins.

Aug 29

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander • PG • Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Skip Canada's Next FIBA Window

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sit out Canada's Window 4 slate for FIBA World Cup qualifying, according to Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. Gilgeous-Alexander was not named to Canada's 15-man roster after suiting up earlier this summer, leaving Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to headline the group. Canada enters the second round at 6-0, playing at Panama on Thursday before hosting Argentina on Monday in Quebec City. Hawks guard Luguentz Dort and veteran big man Kelly Olynyk are also in camp. There is no fantasy move to make here, but the extra rest is a small plus for Gilgeous-Alexander as the reigning back-to-back MVP heads toward Thunder camp as one of the safest early fantasy anchors.

Aug 27

Cason Wallace • PG • Thunder

Cason Wallace Shows Off Scoring Growth

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace enters the final season of his rookie-scale deal with more attention on his offensive growth after a recent open-gym clip showed off his handle, pull-up shooting, and finishing. The 22-year-old already has the defensive role locked in after earning All-Defensive Second Team honors, so the next step is becoming more than a low-usage guard. Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 26.6 minutes last season. Oklahoma City moved Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe this summer, creating more perimeter minutes, but Wallace still has to share touches behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. The steals give him a fantasy floor, while a double-digit scoring jump would make him much more useful.

Aug 26

Nikola Topić • PG • Thunder

Nikola Topic Faces Make-or-Break Year

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic enters a pivotal 2026-27 season with a 2027-28 team option hanging over his future. The 21-year-old has already dealt with a torn left ACL that wiped out his first NBA season, a testicular cancer diagnosis that delayed his debut until February, and offseason back surgery that he is expected to return from by training camp. Topic flashed late last season with back-to-back double-doubles, including an 18-point, 14-assist game against Phoenix that tied a Thunder rookie record. Oklahoma City moved Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe this offseason, but minutes are still not guaranteed with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso in the guard mix. Topic has passing upside, but he needs a steady role before becoming fantasy relevant.

Aug 26

Aday Mara • C • Thunder

Aday Mara Works on Conditioning

Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara is working on his NBA conditioning in Spain with Maral Javadifar, the team's athletic performance director, according to Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. Javadifar spent the past seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was part of the Super Bowl LV staff that beat Kansas City. Mara, the No. 12 pick in June out of national champion Michigan, remains a long-term fantasy stash rather than an early contributor. He is set to compete with Jaylin Williams for backup center minutes behind Isaiah Hartenstein, while Chet Holmgren anchors the frontcourt. Mara is also on Spain's roster for World Cup qualifiers against Portugal on Friday and Greece on Monday.

Aug 25

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein is Battling Ankle Injury

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle) won't play for Germany during this summer's FIBA 2027 World Cup Qualifiers, according to basketnews.com. The big man is currently sitting out while managing an ankle injury. He has decided to play it safe and get fully healthy for the beginning of training camp. This injury sounds minor and shouldn't be something that lingers into the regular season. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status closer to training camp.

Aug 18

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Joins Germany's Qualifier Roster

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein was named to Germany's 15-player roster for the FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, giving head coach Alex Mumbru another NBA frontcourt option. Hartenstein joins Dennis Schroder and Tristan da Silva as Germany's NBA trio for the window against the Netherlands and Poland. The 28-year-old recently re-signed with Oklahoma City on a three-year, $75 million deal after averaging 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 47 games last season. The Germany stint does not change his fantasy value. Back with the Thunder, he remains a strong piece for rebounds, assists, and field-goal percentage next to Chet Holmgren.

Aug 12

Cason Wallace • PG • Thunder

Cason Wallace Eyes Bigger Minutes

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace could be the biggest fantasy winner from the team's offseason salary-shedding moves, per Bryan Toporek of Forbes. Oklahoma City traded Isaiah Joe to Detroit and moved Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort to Atlanta, opening up perimeter minutes after Dort spent years as a starter. Wallace, who started 58 games last season, already brings strong steals, low turnovers, and usable threes, but his scoring ceiling still depends on how much on-ball work he gets next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He looks like a clear redraft riser, especially in nine-category builds. The Thunder can extend Wallace before the season, or he will be on track for restricted free agency in 2027.

Jul 31

Cason Wallace • PG • Thunder |

Ajay Mitchell • PG • Thunder

Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell to Take on Expanded Roles Next Season

Oklahoma City Thunder guards Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell are expected to have a larger impact next season. The two must step up after the team lost several rotational pieces in the summer, including Luguentz Dort. "Losing Lu will certainly have an effect on the team, but I think we are positioned well to reimagine ourselves and continue to find new avenues to win. Cason and Ajay will have more responsibility, as will others," Thunder general manager Sam Presti told Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. "But, as has always been our belief, it is necessary to embrace change and not fall victim to trying to imitate ourselves or our previous play style." Wallace has been a solid contributor for years, while Mitchell made a big leap last season. Increased playing time should boost their fantasy value in 2026-27.

Jul 22

Bennett Stirtz • PG • Thunder

Bennett Stirtz Leads Thunder With 22 Points in Loss to Denver

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz took on a leading role in Tuesday's 106-103 Las Vegas Summer League loss to the Nuggets, scoring 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting with six assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes. The former Division II standout has been Oklahoma City's steadiest presence through an 0-3 summer, running the offense with the pace that made him a first-team All-Big Ten selection at Iowa, where he averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 assists. The NBA's draft profile likens him to Ty Jerome and flags the same slow adjustment those late-blooming college guards needed before they became rotation pieces, which is the fantasy read as well.

Jul 15

Aday Mara • C • Thunder

Aday Mara Tallies 14 Points on Perfect Shooting Against Denver

Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara tallied 14 points on 6-for-6 shooting, seven rebounds, and six assists in 25 minutes during Tuesday's 106-103 Las Vegas Summer League loss to Denver. The Spanish big man was flawless from the floor but shot only 1-for-5 at the line, an issue that follows him from Michigan. The passing is the real story: six assists from a 7-foot-3 center is unusual, and it fits a Thunder offense that runs actions through its bigs. Bennett Stirtz led Oklahoma City with 22 points as the team fell to 0-3. Mara's path to minutes runs through Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, though, so his rookie fantasy value depends on someone ahead of him missing time.

Jul 15

Ajay Mitchell • PG • Thunder

Ajay Mitchell Reports Progress in Calf Rehab

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (calf) says his rehab is nearly complete, telling ESPN's SportsCenter he's "close to being back to 100 percent." The right calf strain cost the Belgian guard the final four games of the Western Conference Finals, a stretch in which the Thunder dropped three of four and lost Game 7 to the Spurs. Mitchell broke out in his second season, averaging 13.6 points, 3.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on 48.5 percent shooting, and his postseason play (seven starts in 11 games) puts him in position to challenge Luguentz Dort for the starting spot next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The catch is availability. Mitchell has appeared in roughly 57 percent of Oklahoma City's games across two years, and he's still not cleared in mid-July.

Jul 14

Bennett Stirtz • PG • Thunder

Bennett Stirtz Leads Thunder With 18 Points

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz supplied 18 points, two assists, one steal, and one block across 28 minutes in Friday's 96-84 Summer League loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 16 pick shot 7-for-14 from the field and 3-for-8 from three-point range, leading five Thunder players in double figures. Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals at Iowa last season, so the scoring and on-ball reps fit his profile. He still needs to prove he can handle NBA size, but his shooting and feel give him a path to bench-guard minutes.

Jul 11

Brooks Barnhizer • SG • Thunder

Brooks Barnhizer Posts Double-Double in Thunder Loss

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Brooks Barnhizer finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal across 21 minutes in Tuesday's 103-69 Salt Lake City Summer League loss to the Utah Jazz. The No. 44 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft kept producing even as Oklahoma City rested Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz. Barnhizer's fantasy case is built more on activity than scoring, as his college profile included rebounds, steals, and secondary playmaking. He still has to prove the jumper will hold, but the multi-category flashes give him a useful developmental lane.

Jul 8

Aday Mara • C • Thunder

Aday Mara Blocks Four Shots in Thunder Loss

Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara made his biggest impact around the rim Monday, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and four blocks across 23 minutes in an 82-77 Salt Lake City Summer League loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The No. 12 overall pick was the only Thunder starter to reach double figures. His shot-blocking was the bigger fantasy takeaway, especially after he averaged 2.6 blocks per game at Michigan last season. Mara still needs work on offense after shooting 3-for-9 from the field and 2-for-4 at the line, but his rim protection gives him a clear fantasy path if he earns steady minutes.

Jul 7

Bennett Stirtz • PG • Thunder

Bennett Stirtz Posts Balanced Line in First Thunder Summer League Game

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz finished with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two threes in his Salt Lake City Summer League debut, a 111-74 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The No. 16 pick did not have a flashy scoring night, but the mix of shooting and playmaking fits his Iowa profile after he averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals as a senior. Stirtz's fantasy value is more developmental than immediate, with Oklahoma City's guard rotation leaving him a narrow path to regular-season minutes.

Jul 5

Aday Mara • C • Thunder

Aday Mara Fills Box Score in Thunder Summer-League Debut

Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara finished with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in a 111-74 Salt Lake City Summer League loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The No. 12 pick did not have a huge scoring night, but the passing and rim protection were encouraging signs from the 7-foot-3 rookie. Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks at Michigan, so the defensive stats fit the profile. His fantasy value is more long-term than immediate, with Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, and Thomas Sorber crowding Oklahoma City's frontcourt.

Jul 5

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