Chet Holmgren will stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder next season, the team confirmed on Monday. The 24-year-old's future was uncertain after a disappointing playoff run.
What happened?
The Thunder lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, with Holmgren's performance coming under scrutiny. He averaged 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in the series.
The Thunder received calls from NBA contenders about Holmgren's availability, but the team made it clear he's not for sale. Holmgren's rookie max extension kicks in next season, with him set to earn $41 million.
Why it matters for Chet Holmgren
Holmgren's lackluster performance in the playoffs led to speculation about his future with the team. However, Thunder GM Sam Presti expressed his trust in Holmgren, saying he's intrinsically motivated to improve.
Presti said Holmgren doesn't need external motivation to drive his improvement. The GM added that Holmgren is one of the team's key players, driving winning on many levels.
What comes next?
The Thunder will look to build around their core, including Holmgren, two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams. Presti is expected to make minor improvements to the roster for next season.
Holmgren was named to the All-NBA Third Team this season after an impressive regular season, averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. He will be a key player for the Thunder next season.
The Thunder's salary cap sheet will be affected by Holmgren's and Williams' contract situations. The team will need to maneuver their roster carefully to ensure they can compete next season.
On Monday, Presti's comments put an end to speculation about Holmgren's future with the team. The focus now shifts to how the Thunder can improve next season with Holmgren as a key part of their roster.