Thunder keep getting defensive, continue monster offseason

The Oklahoma City Thunder finished 11th in the NBA in total defense last season, allowing 112.7 points per game.

The team has already had a big offseason and on paper should be even better on the defensive end in 2024-25.

The Thunder are reportedly planning to sign big man Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87M contract to shore up their frontcourt.

NBA experts lauded the move on Monday morning and StatMuse pointed to how Hartenstein could help an already stacked Oklahoma City squad.

The seven-footer played in 75 games (including a career-high 49 starts) during the 2023-24 season with the New York Knicks and posted high marks in rebounds (8.3), assists (2.5), steals (1.2) and minutes per contest (25.3). Hartenstein also shot an elite 64.4% from the floor and finished second in the NBA in offensive rating (136.2), fifth in offensive rebounds (244) and fifth in defensive rating (108.1).

The Hartenstein acquisition comes after the Thunder recently picked up former first-team All-Defensive team member Alex Caruso in a trade that sent star guard Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls.

Oklahoma City also agreed to new long-term deals with shooting guards Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe on Monday.

The franchise has only been to the NBA Finals once since moving from Seattle to Oklahoma City and becoming the Thunder in 2008. The Thunder haven't been past the second round of the playoffs since 2016. With one of the most loaded rosters as July begins, the group may finally break those droughts in 2025.