4 Thunder storylines to look forward to in 2026-27

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first title defense ended in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The odds of the 2026-27 Thunder winning a second title in three years remain high. Even Spurs’ Dylan Harper admitted the Thunder are tougher when Williams is on the floor.

After finishing the 2025-26 regular season with the best record in the NBA (64-18), they swept through their first two playoff rounds before Williams and Ajay Mitchell’s respective absences were felt. The void left by the All-NBA forward’s left hamstring injury is just one of the many reasons why the Thunder came up short.

Mitchell’s defense and playmaking abilities were also sorely missed as Harper, Stephon Castle and the Spurs’ backcourt took turns attacking the Thunder without two of its better wing defenders. Williams and Mitchell were missed on both ends of the floor. Facing a hefty tax bill, Thunder GM Sam Presti made the difficult decision to part ways with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins during the offseason, opening the door for promotions to proven players that will take on increased roles in 2026-27.

As the Thunder’s championship window, led by two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Williams, remains wide open, here are four key storylines to keep an eye on throughout the 2026-27 season.

Jalen Williams’ return from an injury-plagued season

Thunder’s Jalen Williams played only 38 games in 2025-26. Playing through a fractured right wrist injury throughout the Thunder’s championship run in 2025 came at a price. He underwent two surgeries during the offseason, forcing him to miss the first 19 games of the regular season. Then, hamstring injuries plagued the rest of the campaign, including when the defending champions needed him most: in the playoffs.

One could argue the Thunder would have come up short in their 2025 Finals series against the Pacers without Williams. His playoff career-high 40-point performance in Game 5 against the Pacers was a defining moment of his career. Jalen made the All-Defensive Second Team and All-NBA Third Team in 2025.

His importance to the Thunder’s championship aspirations can’t be overstated. Plus, he’s still growing as one of the better two-way wings in the NBA. Williams, 25, entering his fifth season with the Thunder, could be on the cusp of having the best season of his career in 2026-27.

Chet Holmgren building off his first All-Star appearance

Chet Holmgren’s breakout campaign led to his first All-Star selection, but that’s not what NBA fans remember most about his 2025-26 season. Instead, it’s the four-point dud in Game 7 against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. After Wembanyama dunked over Holmgren in the first half of Game 7, he lived rent-free in Holmgren’s head when the Thunder needed him most.

With the season on the line, Holmgren’s offense failed to help the Thunder in a 111-103 season-ending loss. Now, he’ll be set out to prove himself against the Western Conference champions. Thunder’s Holmgren has been working in the lab for most of the summer, he said, in preparation for his bounce-back season in 2026-27.

“I’m excited,” Chet Holmgren told ClutchPoints. “I mean, I’ve been on the court all summer. I’m excited to get back to OKC with the guys and get back to work.”

Holmgren, who was named to the All-NBA Third Team, averaged a career-high in points (17.1) and rebounds (8.9), along with 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 55.7 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three. He finished runner-up behind Wembanayma for Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team for the first time in his career.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes for third consecutive MVP

After finishing second behind Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic in MVP voting in 2024, Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP in back-to-back seasons while leading his team to their first championship in franchise history. Amid a historic run, the 2025 Finals MVP led the Thunder to a historic 24-1 start to the 2025-26 season. And he’s just entering his prime.

Gilgeous-Alexander, 28, has averaged 30+ points in four consecutive years for the Thunder. For many, he’s already considered to be the greatest player to ever wear a Thunder uniform ahead of his eighth season in Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent approach has often set him apart from his competitors, as he has shot 51% or better from the floor for four straight seasons.

The bulk of his offense comes from the midrange and in the paint, forcing opponents to pick their poison between shooting from inside the 3-point arc and consistent drives to the rim. As teams continue to seek new ways to rattle the two-time MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander finds a way, which shouldn’t be any different in 2026-27, especially surrounded by a healthy Thunder core and supporting cast.

Cason Wallace’s first full season as Thunder starter

Thunder’s fourth-year guard Cason Wallace is positioned to take over Lu Dort’s starting role in head coach Mark Daigneault’s starting lineup. Starting in 58 of 77 regular-season games, Wallace made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor. He often started in place of Jalen Williams throughout the 2025-26 season.

Earning an All-Defensive Second Team nod, Wallace averaged a career-best in steals (1.9), points (8.6), and assists (2.6) per game for the Thunder. While he showed signs of one day replacing Dort in 2024-25, it became obvious that the 22-year-old guard was worthy of the promotion last season, especially ahead of a contract season.

With Dort out of the picture, Wallace is in line for an extension, which could happen relatively soon, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

“Wallace has been lights-out as a defender since he was drafted. His offensive game has improved, but his efficiency has fallen off as his role has grown,” Smith said. “That could be a sign that Wallace isn’t quite ready to carry a team. The good news? He doesn’t have to with the Thunder.

“The combination of projecting what Wallace will eventually be, his role now and going forward in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder’s ever-swelling payroll makes this a difficult one to peg. Still, it’s best to believe Sam Presti will take care of Wallace now and figure out the rest later.”

Wallace’s potential four-year extension could reach as high as $108 million, as the Thunder’s defensive specialist will continue to strengthen his case in 2026-27.

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