Examining Thunder's Salary Cap, Decisions for 2024 NBA Free Agency After Mavs Loss

Thanks to a core of low-cost standouts, the Oklahoma City Thunder are positioned incredibly well for long-term success.

But their breakout 2023-24 campaign has ended in the second round.

Oklahoma City, which earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, bowed out to Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks. They lost the series in six games following an opening-round sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Disappointing? Yes. In hindsight, this may feel like a missed opportunity for this young Thunder roster.

Expectations, however, will continue rising next season—and OKC has plenty of cap space to reinforce the roster, too.

Only the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors have less money committed to their 2024-25 rosters than OKC's $97.2 million.

What an opportunity for the Thunder.

Even if the franchises chases down a star, it should be able to avoid the projected luxury tax of $172 million. Either the room mid-level exception or non-taxpayer's mid-level exception should be in play.

Now, this doesn't mean OKC will be raining money on free agents. Isaiah Joe's deal expires after 2024-25, then Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will be due for extensions in coming years. Short-term plans need to fit a promising long-term vision.

But there's no question the Thunder hold an enviable outlook.

Seriously, it's almost unfair how simple this offseason can be.

At the right price, OKC should consider re-signing Gordon Hayward. He made $31.5 million this season but won't command anything near that in free agency. The veteran can offer a positive impact off the bench.

Aleksej Pokusevski, Bismack Biyombo and Mike Muscala have expiring deals, but none of them played a minute in the playoffs.

Lastly, team options for both Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins should be exercised. Joe certainly won't be leaving the Thunder, while Wiggins is worth keeping at $2 million. Jaylin Williams has no guaranteed money for 2024-25 but is another nice $2 million reserve.

Offseason choices don't get much easier.

The dream? Reuniting with Paul George.

Oklahoma City kickstarted this promising era when it dealt George to the Clippers for a package highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Bringing him back would be delightfully ironic—and fun to watch.

George may stay in LA, though, leaving the Thunder to consider Tobias Harris as a splashy target. OG Anunoby is another terrific fit, though he may stick with the New York Knicks. DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson are big names to know but probably aren't as appealing.

Two cost-effective players are center Isaiah Hartenstein and wing Royce O'Neale. They could be more ideal additions as complementary pieces who won't necessarily be seeking long-term offers.