TSN ranks Thunder near top of three‑year outlook; flags payroll and apron questions

TSN projects OKC as a top future team but highlights the club’s large payroll reduction this summer and the looming second‑apron decisions tied to upcoming contract escalations.

In this brief: 2 sections 1 min read

- Thunder finished with the NBA’s best record and point differential in recent seasons, per TSN.
- The front office cut payroll by about $300 million this summer while preserving the star core.
- TSN warns 2027‑28 pay bumps (Gilgeous‑Alexander supermax) could force sharper roster cuts or trades.
- Preserving the core now may lead to structural roster changes next offseason to avoid second‑apron limits.
- TSN speculates management may need to choose between depth and keeping the full core intact when higher salaries hit.

Read full analysis on tsn.ca

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