The Oklahoma City Thunder have been graded on their 2026 NBA offseason moves as the Western Conference arms race heats up.
The Thunder's roster remains elite, according to the assessment. While other teams made significant changes, Oklahoma City's core stayed largely intact. This continuity is seen as a major strength.
The San Antonio Spurs also kept an elite roster together. But the landscape shifted dramatically elsewhere. The Minnesota Timberwolves shook things up by acquiring star guard LaMelo Ball in a major trade. The Los Angeles Lakers were active too, making moves to build a stronger supporting cast around Luka Dončić.
Several other teams received their offseason report cards. The Dallas Mavericks earned a B- grade. They added players like Santi Aldama, Zaccharie Risacher, and Marcus Sasser. But they lost veterans including Khris Middleton and Klay Thompson. Their projected starting lineup will look different.
The team's strong finish to the previous season provides momentum. Defensively, holding the Suns to 84 points on April 19 was a standout performance.
This form suggests the existing roster combinations are effective. Head coach Mark Daigneault has his group playing cohesive basketball on both ends of the floor. The continuity from last season appears to be paying immediate dividends as they prepare for the new schedule.
The focus now shifts to integrating any new pieces from the offseason and building on this momentum. The Thunder's schedule for the 2026-27 NBA season is set. Maintaining health will be important for a team that relies on its core players executing a specific system. Their ability to defend at a high level will likely determine their ceiling.
With the Western Conference more competitive than ever, every game matters. The Thunder have shown they can beat top teams consistently. Their offseason grade reflects confidence in the roster they've built, and their recent play justifies that belief.
