The Oklahoma City Thunder opened 2026-27 Media Day with players and head coach Mark Daigneault reflecting on the emotional offseason departures of Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins. The roster moves, made for financial flexibility, mark a significant shift for a core that grew together from rebuild to NBA champions. The Thunder are riding high on the court, however.
Head coach Mark Daigneault got straight to the personal impact. "Everybody talks about it being a business, but it's personal," Daigneault said. He highlighted the unseen hours spent together on buses, in hotels, and during pregame meals. He called the trio "unbelievable points of pride" for the organization, noting they arrived as unproven late draft picks and helped build the team's identity. Their development, Daigneault stated, set them up to be decade-long NBA players and left a permanent imprint on the Thunder's success.
Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed the sentiment of loss. "It feels like they are not even gone," Gilgeous-Alexander admitted. He credited Dort, Joe, and Wiggins for their major role in the team's on-court success and off-court brotherhood. He acknowledged the reality of NBA roster turnover, saying, "It sucks a little bit. But yeah, it is what it is." Gilgeous-Alexander quickly pivoted to excitement about new additions, seeing fresh opportunities to make each other better.
The departures signal a new chapter, but the Thunder's performance hasn't skipped a beat. This strong closing push provides momentum as the team integrates new faces into the rotation.
Chet Holmgren offered a philosophical take on the constant change in professional sports. "I don't think it's something that you necessarily get used to," Holmgren said. He described getting caught up in the moment and thinking a core group lasts forever, noting these moves are a reminder it doesn't. His focus, like Gilgeous-Alexander's, shifted to being excited for his former teammates' new opportunities and the challenge ahead with the full squad.
The focus now turns fully to the 2026-27 campaign and building on the foundation those departed players helped establish. The Thunder's system under Daigneault emphasizes player development and a next-man-up mentality. Integrating new personnel while maintaining their defensive intensity and offensive flow will be an early season test.
Fans can track the team's progress through a challenging schedule on our schedule page. The emotional goodbye to three beloved players is balanced by the cold, hard facts of the NBA's financial rules and the relentless pursuit of championship contention. Oklahoma City's leadership made a tough choice, but the quotes from Media Day show the respect and affection for those who left remains undiminished. The business of basketball moves forward, and the Thunder are positioned to keep winning.
