How Two Underrated Additions Turned the OKC Thunder Into NBA Champions
Let’s rewind the clock a bit. Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder were already one of the most promising young teams in the NBA. But despite all the upside, they were still missing a couple of those gritty, grind-it-out veterans — the kind who don’t just show up but show out when it matters most.
Then came two moves that barely registered seismic waves at the time: Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
What happened next? Just a casual 68-14 regular season and the first NBA championship in franchise history. Yep, those two additions proved to be the final pieces of the puzzle.
From Underdogs to Kings of the Court
It’s not often you see a team with such a young core rise to championship glory — especially one that becomes the youngest No. 1 seed in league history. But with a mix of elite draft talent and surgical front office moves, Sam Presti and company rewrote the script.
And when Presti held his 2024-25 end-of-season press conference, you could tell this title meant something deeper.
"I think we got super lucky with the fact that both of those players were accessible to us," Presti said.
"The luck is their personalities were so well-suited for our particular team at this particular time... I don't know that that will ever happen again — two elite role players that love being role players."
That right there is the secret sauce. Not just adding talent — but adding the right kind of talent. Players who fit the culture, embrace the grind, and know their role.
Let’s Talk About That Trade: Giddey for Caruso
If you’re a Thunder fan, this was a tough pill at first. Josh Giddey, the flashy Australian point-forward and first major pick of the Thunder rebuild, wanted out. He wasn’t down for coming off the bench, and the fit had become clunky over time.
So Presti made a bold call. He shipped Giddey to Chicago in a one-for-one deal for Alex Caruso — a 31-year-old defensive specialist with a championship pedigree from his Lakers days.
At the time, it felt like OKC was giving up youth for experience. But now? That trade aged like fine wine.
Caruso turned into a postseason menace. He outplayed his regular season numbers and even dropped multiple 20-point games during the playoffs — more than he did all regular season. And let’s not forget Game 7 vs. Denver when he locked up Nikola freaking Jokic.
Hayward’s Exit Leads to Hartenstein’s Arrival
Meanwhile, the Thunder’s other veteran experiment — Gordon Hayward — was a complete flop. He was supposed to be a savvy, stabilizing wing presence. Instead, he was borderline unplayable in the postseason.
But sometimes, bad contracts are a blessing in disguise.
Hayward's expiring $30 million salary became the key asset in a deal that landed Isaiah Hartenstein, fresh off a career-best season with the New York Knicks.
Boom. That’s how you turn dead weight into gold.
Hartenstein instantly became the Thunder’s playoff starting center. And when paired with Chet Holmgren, that double-big lineup turned into a weapon. It may not have clicked perfectly in the regular season, but man, did it shine in the playoffs.
Hartenstein: On the Court and In the Community
If you thought Isaiah’s impact was just basketball-related, think again.
“I haven’t seen a player become more ingrained in the community this quickly than Isaiah,” Presti shared.
“He’s done more individual community work than I think I’ve ever seen a player do. He’s just been awesome in that way.”
Now that’s the kind of dude you want on your squad. A guy who doesn’t just bring toughness and rim protection — but also heart, humility, and commitment off the floor.
The Chemistry Factor: Why This Worked
Here’s the thing: Winning a championship isn’t just about stars. It’s about chemistry. Cohesion. Collective identity.
And both Caruso and Hartenstein delivered on all fronts:
🔥 What Made Caruso and Hartenstein So Valuable:
-
Elite Role Execution: They embraced their roles with zero ego.
-
Playoff Poise: Caruso’s lockdown D and Hartenstein’s paint presence were key down the stretch.
-
Veteran Intangibles: Leadership, hustle, unselfishness — things stats don’t always show.
-
Personality Fit: They blended seamlessly with the team culture. No drama. All business.
“Those guys have been excellent,” said Presti.
“They've been very selfless. They didn't feel pressured to demonstrate their value. They allowed themselves to be absorbed by the team.”
That’s what championship DNA looks like. And it’s even more impressive considering how both were available not through splashy free agency signings, but via trades that initially raised some eyebrows.
A New Era Begins in Oklahoma City
With this championship, the Thunder aren’t just a feel-good story anymore — they’re legit title contenders going forward. And don’t forget: most of their core is still under 25 years old.
Presti pulled off a masterclass with these two offseason pickups. And while young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren will grab headlines, make no mistake — this run doesn’t happen without Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
They weren’t just “role players.”
They were difference makers.
Final Thoughts: Championship Built, Not Bought
In today’s NBA, we often get obsessed with superstar trades and big-name signings. But the Thunder showed the world another path: build smart, invest in chemistry, and trust your culture.
They turned a disgruntled player and a failed experiment into two of the most impactful veterans in the league.
And now? The Larry O’Brien Trophy is sitting pretty in Oklahoma City.
Never underestimate the power of the perfect role player.
Login