OKC Thunder: Grading their signings in NBA free agency

The OKC Thunder are about to embark on their second season of what they hope to be a reasonably short rebuilding cycle. They had four picks in the 2021 NBA draft, with the highest being No. 6.

This would have been frustrating for the Thunder faithful as they endured a long losing streak in the second half of the season when their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sidelined with an injury and Al Horford was shut down by the team.

Still, the Thunder took Australian young gun Josh Giddey which is a step or two down from Cade Cunningham who they were hoping to select. He should, however, be a pleasant surprise to Thunder fans. They also drafted Tre Mann with pick No. 18, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl with pick No. 32, and Aaron Wiggins with pick No. 55.

The OKC Thunder are in the midst of a rebuild and their signings in NBA free agency will help this process over the coming years.

The Thunder made a rare trade when the playoffs were still in full swing. They traded Horford to the Boston Celtics and got the Mann pick as well as Kemba Walker. They then bought him out, eating the final two seasons of his deal, which also allowed him to sign with the New York Knicks.

They also made the trade for Derrick Favors as well as guaranteeing the contracts of several young players. giving them a solid young core that will form chemistry with their stars. This will hopefully see them move up in the standings over the coming seasons. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the free agency signings for the OKC Thunder.