The attention might be on college football on Saturday, but Sam Presti is always making moves. The Thunder exercised third-year contract options on Ousmane Dieng, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, and fourth-year options on Josh Giddey and Tre Mann.
For Holmgren, Williams and Giddey, picking up the option was a complete given. Williams and Giddey turned into rising stars a season ago and look like significant pieces in Oklahoma City’s core moving forward. Holmgren has been unbelievable over the course of Summer League and preseason, and has a chance to be the Thunder’s best two-way player and a potential All-Star.
Keeping all three players plus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be difficult, but if Presti can pull it off, Oklahoma City will be in a good spot for a very long time.
Picking up Dieng’s option was no surprise, as his potential is still high after a terrific summer. He will play a much bigger role in Oklahoma City this year, and the team is expecting him to step up in a big way this season. He’ll have a chance to be a connector on this Thunder squad for years to come.
Mann has been battling for one of the last few roster spots. It appears the battle is between Mann and Jack White, with Mann being the favorite. It makes sense for the Thunder to pick up his option, as the plan has never been to cut him. The Florida product would have value on the trade market if Oklahoma City wanted to go in a different direction. Picking up Mann’s option doesn’t necessarily mean he’s earned the last roster spot, but it’s certainly a positive development for the young guard.
Thunder management has done a fantastic job of drafting over the last few seasons, and picking up all five options on Saturday showcases that fully. If Oklahoma City can keep this core together, it’ll be a special stretch for the organization
