Roster-building lessons from the NBA's final four,...
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- Adam Silver wants a more NFL‑like model of contenders, aiming to reduce dynastic franchises.
- Oklahoma City Thunder built their roster around the 2019 Paul George trade, which delivered Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and a draft pick that became Jalen Williams.
- Oklahoma City Thunder were upset in the 2024 second round after tying for the best record in the Western Conference.
- Oklahoma City Thunder made marginal roster moves, trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein to a short, cap‑consuming deal.
- Boston Celtics saw a first‑round collapse in the postseason, raising questions about building around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Why it matters: Franchises that adopt the Thunder’s balanced, low‑panic roster moves can preserve cap flexibility and boost playoff odds, while teams that chase quick fixes risk overpaying and missing the postseason.
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