Holmgren on Thunder roster changes: Reluctant to see teammates leave, but that's part of basketball.

August 2nd - According to ESPN , Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star center Chet Holmgren recently discussed the team's offseason roster changes. He expressed his deep regret at the departures of Lugentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe from the 2025 championship - contending roster .

“ It feels like losing a family member, ” Holmgren said at a charity event hosted by the American Basketball Foundation. “ But that’s the business rule of this sport. No team’s 17 players can stay together forever. ”

During the offseason, the Thunder traded Dort, Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe . Dort and Wiggins joined the Atlanta Hawks, while Joe was sent to the Detroit Pistons. Holmgren stated that while the departures were sad, he was also happy for his teammates who were getting new opportunities.

With Shai Gilgeous - Alexander , Jalen Williams , and Holmgren all signing long-term contracts, the Thunder's management freed up salary cap space through trades and ultimately reached a three- year, $ 75 million contract extension with center Isaiah Hartenstein .

Holmgren stated that he fully trusts the team's management's decision. " My job is to spend the entire summer in the training facility and keep improving. "

Last season, Holmgren averaged 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, earning his first All-Star selection. However, the Thunder lost to the Spurs, led by Wimbledon and Yamada, in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

Speaking about the loss, Holmgren said there are no guarantees on the road to the title. " You can give it your all, but you can still fail in the end. We didn't succeed this year, but that won't change our process or our goals. "

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