Inside the Thunder’s Secret Playbook: The Surprising Moves That Shook the NBA Finals 2025

As the NBA Finals tip off this Thursday, it’s the perfect moment to rewind and dissect how these two contenders reached this rarefied air. Forget the usual playoff path — the real story lies in the intricate craft of roster construction that’s paved their way to basketball’s ultimate stage. We’ve already peeled back the layers on the Pacers’ savvy blueprint; now, it’s time to dive into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s fascinating journey. What they’ve fashioned isn’t your run-of-the-mill team-building tale; it’s a bold, almost digital-age approach helmed by GM Sam Presti, who’s amassed draft picks like digital tokens in a relentless game of virtual power-up. With a treasure trove of selections stretching to 2030 and a few masterstrokes—including a trade that landed them their crown jewel—the Thunder exemplify a modern model that could very well deliver a championship soon. This isn’t just a team assembled; it’s a finely tuned machine that could etch its name in NBA lore. LEARN MOREThe Thunder will, eventually, face the same issue. However, since Holmgren and Williams were both drafted by them, Presti didn’t have to relinquish depth or assets for their services.AdvertisementOverall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

Overall, the Thunder executed their plan perfectly. They optimized bites of the draft apple and landed multiple stars and depth that 29 other teams wish they had.

That same summer they went out and spent big on Isaiah Hartenstein, deciding that big-man depth was of tremendous importance, especially as Holmgren is more of a finesse defender than a physical one.The Clippers, seeing the potential of signing Leonard, obliged and identified Paul George as the perfect running mate.For most teams, the three-star model is a no-go because it’s often translated into the three-max model, meaning a team will spend the vast majority of the cap on just three players, disallowing it of any substantial depth.Advertisement