MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Jalen Williams #8, Luguentz Dort #5, Chet Holmgren #7, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on prior to the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on February 13, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder 116-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Getty Images
As the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder look ahead to opening night on Tuesday—when the team will raise its first-ever championship banner and players will receive their rings—many familiar faces will be on the court. The Thunder’s roster is nearly identical to last season’s group that won it all. Just a few days from the opener, the entire roster, including two-way players, has been finalized.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luguentz Dort
- Alex Caruso
- Aaron Wiggins
- Isaiah Joe
- Nikola Topić
- Cason Wallace
- AJay Mitchell
- Ousmane Dieng
- Jalen Williams
- Jaylin Williams
- Kenrich Williams
- Chet Holmgren
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Thomas Sorber
- Branden Carlson (two-way)
- Brooks Barnhizer (two-way)
- Chris Youngblood (two-way)
In fact, in terms of the 15-man roster—the full-time contract players from last season—there’s only one change. Dillon Jones was traded to the Washington Wizards this offseason to clear space for recent first-round pick Thomas Sorber, and while he will not play this season due to a recent ACL injury, he’s the only new face on the 15-man roster. Nikola Topić will be new in the sense that he’ll actually take the court this year as he’s recovered from his ACL injury from a year ago. He was already on the 15-man roster last season, but will now make his long-awaited debut. Otherwise, the team is exactly the same from that standpoint.
Now, in terms of two-way contracts, NBA teams get three players on two-way deals to round out a full 18-man roster. There’s one familiar face in that group, but the other two spots feature brand-new rookies. Branden Carlson is back on a two-way contract as he looks to establish more of a role as a reserve center and stretch big. The two newcomers are Brooks Barnhizer, a second-round pick out of Northwestern who’s known for his grit, physicality, and ability to make the small winning plays, and Chris Youngblood, a five-year college player who can really fill it up from beyond the arc with a quick, confident release.
In fact, Youngblood was the final piece of the puzzle. There had been an open two-way spot for quite some time—both Barnhizer and Carlson were assigned to two-way contracts earlier in the offseason. That third and final slot was officially filled by Youngblood over the weekend, finalizing Oklahoma City’s 18-man roster just ahead of opening night. The Thunder had been evaluating options for that last spot throughout camp, and Youngblood deservedly earned it with his play not only in Summer League but also throughout the preseason.
With the addition of Youngblood, the roster is complete. The three new faces—Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer, and Chris Youngblood—round out the group. Sorber won’t play this season due to injury, but Barnhizer and Youngblood should see time between the Thunder and their G League affiliate as they develop. Otherwise, when you remove Dillon Jones, this is the exact same roster as last season, especially when you consider the top of the rotation and the players who will log significant minutes.
In short, Oklahoma City is running it back. The continuity is unmatched, the chemistry is intact, and the core remains as strong as ever. The Thunder tip off Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against the Houston Rockets—an emotional night that will feature the raising of their first-ever championship banner and the presentation of championship rings to the players and staff who brought the city its first NBA title.