The Oklahoma City Thunder successfully reduced their immediate financial pressure this offseason.
Their next challenge is already approaching.
Oklahoma City traded Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins as its payroll continued increasing. Those departures created additional opportunities for Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain.
They also made evaluating those three guards even more important.
Wallace is entering the final season of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. He is scheduled to earn approximately $7.4 million during the 2026-27 season before potentially reaching restricted free agency next summer.
That affordable contract will not last if he continues developing.
Wallace has already established himself as one of the NBA's most disruptive young defenders. With Dort no longer on the roster, Wallace should receive his greatest opportunity to earn a consistent starting role and expand his offensive responsibilities.
A breakout season could significantly increase his future value.
Extending Wallace might appear to be an obvious decision. However, Sam Presti must consider Oklahoma City's entire backcourt before committing another significant portion of the payroll.
Mitchell has developed into much more than an intriguing former second-round pick. His scoring, playmaking and composure made him an important part of Oklahoma City's rotation before injuries affected his postseason availability.
McCain also demonstrated why the Thunder were willing to trade one first-round selection and three second-round picks to acquire him. His shooting and confidence provide another skill set Oklahoma City could need following the departures of Joe and Wiggins.
The Thunder will reportedly become eligible to extend Mitchell and McCain next summer.
That creates an encouraging basketball situation and a complicated financial one.
Oklahoma City cannot reasonably pay every developing guard as if each one will become a long-term starter. Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren already possess substantial contracts. Isaiah Hartenstein also received a three-year extension reportedly worth $75 million.
At some point, Presti will need to establish priorities.
In my opinion, Wallace should remain the immediate focus because his defense directly addresses what Oklahoma City lost by trading Dort. That does not mean the Thunder should make their decision based entirely on his draft position or previous role.
The upcoming season should help reveal which guards fit best beside Gilgeous-Alexander, which can remain effective without dominating the ball and which possess the versatility required during the playoffs.
Oklahoma City should not rush into another trade. Injuries have already demonstrated the importance of depth.
However, every new opportunity will provide information that influences future decisions.
Presti has constructed one of the NBA's most productive developmental systems. Successful development eventually makes talented players more expensive.
Wallace, Mitchell and McCain now have an opportunity to prove where they belong within Oklahoma City's long-term plan.
