How the Thunder Built a Championship Team: Key Moves & Strategies

By Edcel Panganiban June 24, 2025 09:59

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2024-25 NBA championship run was the culmination of a masterful blend of strategic drafting, savvy trades, and a commitment to developing a young, dynamic core. Under the leadership of General Manager Sam Presti and Head Coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder transformed from perennial rebuilders into NBA champions, capturing their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Building Around a Young Core

At the heart of the Thunder’s success is their young trio: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander, who turned 27 this July, emerged as the franchise cornerstone, averaging a stellar 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game during the championship season. His leadership and scoring prowess earned him Finals MVP honors and cemented his status as one of the league’s elite. Complementing him are Williams (24) and Holmgren (23), whose versatility and defensive impact provided the Thunder with a balanced attack on both ends of the floor.

This youthful core is notable not only for its talent but also for its potential longevity. As The Athletic highlighted, the Thunder are the second-youngest team to win an NBA title, signaling that their best years lie ahead.

Draft Capital and Asset Management

A key pillar of Oklahoma City’s strategy has been accumulating draft picks. The Thunder hold an astonishing 11 first-round picks over the next seven years, giving them unparalleled flexibility to either draft promising talent or use picks as trade assets to acquire established players. This stockpile ensures the franchise can sustain competitiveness and continuously replenish its roster.

Presti’s approach to asset management has been meticulous. Rather than rushing to win immediately, the Thunder embraced a patient rebuild after trading away stars like Russell Westbrook and Paul George in previous years. This allowed them to develop players internally and maintain salary cap flexibility, a luxury few contending teams enjoy.

Smart Trades and Role Player Acquisition

Beyond their core, the Thunder’s roster construction features a mix of seasoned veterans and high-upside role players. Veterans like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein provide stability and experience, while players such as Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams bring energy and defensive tenacity. These complementary pieces were acquired through a combination of shrewd trades and free agency signings, reflecting a front office committed to building a well-rounded team.

Coach Mark Daigneault’s system maximizes the Thunder’s strengths, emphasizing pace, ball movement, and defensive intensity. This style has allowed Oklahoma City to consistently outperform expectations and thrive in high-pressure playoff situations.

A Championship and Beyond

The Thunder’s 68-14 regular-season record and eventual 4-3 NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers are testaments to the effectiveness of their long-term strategy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s statement after clinching the title “So many hours, so many moments, so many emotions... this is what we worked for” captures the culmination of years of patient building.

Looking forward, the Thunder’s combination of youth, draft capital, and savvy management positions them as a potential dynasty in the making. As Presti remarked in the past, “Building a sustainable winner requires patience, vision, and adaptability,” all qualities that have defined Oklahoma City’s journey.

In sum, the Thunder’s championship was no accident. It was the product of deliberate, forward-thinking moves that blended elite talent development, asset accumulation, and smart roster construction. With their core still ascending and a treasure trove of draft picks at their disposal, the Thunder’s reign is only just beginning.