Five free agent targets for the OKC Thunder in 2024 NBA offseason
The OKC Thunder arrived this season.
OKC (57-25) became the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history for either conference, and it became the youngest team to ever win a playoff series when it swept New Orleans in the first round.
But OKC's season came to an end when it suffered a 4-2 series loss to Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals. And as the Thunder enters this offseason, it can use its approximate $35 million in cap space to be a buyer in free agency.
Here are five unrestricted free agents OKC should target:
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OKC Thunder free agent targets for 2024 NBA offseason
Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
OKC's lack of size played a major factor against Dallas, which dominated the paint with its center duo of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
Claxton could solve that problem. He's a 6-foot-11 rim protector who averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks this season.
Claxton fits OKC's timeline at 25 years old, and his lack of floor spacing shouldn't be an issue since Chet Holmgren is versatile enough to play the four.
Claxton will likely command somewhere between $20-25 million per season in free agency. It's a hefty price tag, but it could be worth it for an OKC team that's looking to compete for a title.
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Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks
Hartenstein is another center who could bring some size to OKC.
The 7-foot center was a key role player for New York this season. He averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, and he shot 64.4% from the floor.
Hartenstein, 26, is a hard-nosed defender who ranked seventh in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game (3.3). And while his ceiling isn't as high as Claxton, he's a steady option who started all 13 games for the Knicks this postseason.
New York has Early Bird Rights on Hartenstein, which means it can't pay him more than about $16.2 million next season. If OKC decides that Hartenstein is its guy, it has the money to pry him away.
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Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
OKC ranked 13th in the NBA in bench points per game this season (34.6).
If the Thunder is looking for a go-to guy on its second unit, it could find that in Trent. The 6-5 guard averaged 13.7 points on 39.3% shooting from deep this season.
Trent, 25, would thrive in OKC's fast-paced offense. And while he isn't the most disciplined player on defense, a little bit of molding could turn him into a two-way threat.
Trent made $18.6 million this season, and he'll likely command a contract in that range this offseason. OKC could certainly make that work if it prioritizes the addition of a spark plug off the bench.
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Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
OKC acquired Gordon Hayward this season with hopes of getting a veteran wing who could provide valuable postseason experience.
That didn't work out, but the Thunder could take another swing with Harris. The 6-8 forward averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds this season.
Harris made $39.3 million this season, although he'll likely get about half of that this summer. He certainly didn't help his value this postseason either, averaging nine points and 7.2 rebounds in 36.3 minutes.
Still, Harris is a 31-year-old forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. And while he struggled at times as a third scoring option for Philadelphia, he could be a valuable bench player for OKC.
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Royce O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
If OKC wants a cheaper option than Harris, it could target O'Neal.
The 6-5 wing averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds after he got traded to Phoenix this season, and he shot 37.6% from deep.
O'Neal is a 3-and-D veteran who has been a part of seven different playoff runs. The 30-year-old even has 31 playoff starts under his belt.
Phoenix will surely prioritize re-signing O'Neal, but that'll be tough since it's already over the second tax apron with seven players under contract for a combined $194.1 million next season. OKC could easily give O'Neal a more enticing offer in the ballpark of $15 million per year.
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Unlikely targets
Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers: Some fans will be calling for George's return to OKC this offseason. But the Thunder would have to clear up more cap space to sign the 34-year-old guard, and the addition of a star could disrupt the momentum of this young core.
O.G. Anunoby, New York Knicks: I think Anunoby is the dream player for OKC in free agency. He's a 26-year-old wing who fits the timeline and can defend every position, but there's no shot New York will let him slip away as it continues to chase a title.
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors: Thompson is a 34-year-old veteran with championship experience, but it's hard to imagine him in a different jersey. And even if he leaves Golden State this offseason in search of a payday, there are better ways for OKC to spend its money.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Five free agent targets in 2024 NBA offseason
