The Oklahoma City Thunder’s attempt to repeat as NBA champions came up short, as they fell to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Spurs controlled the contest from start to finish and drilled big-time shots in crunch time to secure a series-clinching 111-103 road victory over the defending champs.
From a free agency addition standpoint, what moves could Oklahoma City consider following their third-round playoff elimination? Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon floated the idea of the Thunder signing a recently traded ex-Los Angeles Lakers point guard this summer.
“Based on the current cap sheet, free agency does not really exist for OKC,” Kenyon wrote Saturday. “Technically speaking, sure, the Thunder will sign a few players. The exact number will hinge on team options and trades, but re-signing Hartenstein or Kenrich Williams—while advisable—is not exactly a traditional free-agent splash.”
“Oklahoma City, which also holds the No. 12 and No. 17 selections in the 2026 NBA draft, will be limited to scouring the market for bench players.”
“Could the Thunder find a veteran on a minimum contract, say Tim Hardaway Jr. or Gabe Vincent, if chasing a ring is a priority? A player who wants to experience a winning environment, perhaps Marvin Bagley III? Someone who might need a change of scenery, like Cam Thomas?”
When Vincent joined the Lakers in 2023, the expectation was for him to be a dependable second-unit contributor who would play a key role in the franchise’s future success.
Considering Vincent was a valuable asset for the Heat during the 2022-23 run to the NBA Finals (he averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 assists per game in 22 postseason contests that postseason, shooting 40.2% from the field and 37.8% from deep), it shouldn’t have been challenging for him to be somewhat impactful for the Lakers off the bench.
It turns out it was, though, as the Santa Barbara product struggled mightily as a spot-up shooter, off-the-dribble shot creator, and on-ball defender with the Lakers, compelling the franchise to trade him to the Atlanta Hawks before the Feb. 5 deadline.
Needless to say, Vincent shouldn’t be atop the Thunder’s free agent wishlist, as he hasn’t been the same player since leaving Miami.
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