The Oklahoma City Thunder, this season, were one of the best teams the NBA has ever seen. Led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder put together the best record in the NBA and dominated on both ends of the floor.

The Thunder boast one of the best supporting casts in the league, but with both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren due for rookie extensions soon, OKC might be forced to cut some costs to keep their stars.

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The Chicago Bulls are expected to pounce on that, if given the chance.

Oct 25, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the first half of a basketball game at United Center.© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Oct 25, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the first half of a basketball game at United Center.© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Isaiah Joe is under contract for three more seasons, with an $11.3 million team option in 2026-27. He’s been one of the best bench shooters in the league this season, but on the Bulls, would likely become a starter around Josh Giddey, who is at his best when surrounded by elite shooters.

“Isaiah Joe ranks favorably among the best spacers in basketball,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley. “Since becoming a rotation regular in 2022-23, he has averaged 2.2 triples with a 41.2 percent splash rate. And he provides all that net-shredding while also being a competent and pesky player at the defensive end.”

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If the Thunder can keep him, they will, and the rising NBA salary cap should make it possible for the Thunder to retain their core and pay their stars. However, not all hope is lost for the Bulls, who look poised to spend the next several seasons hovering around, or slightly below, .500.

“There’s a scenario in which Oklahoma City convinces itself it can find an even cheaper version of Joe, a cost-cutting measure to prepare for the upcoming paydays to Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren,” continued Buckley.

The Thunder have all the draft capital they could ever need and will become big players sooner rather than later in trades and offseason moves, but deciding who to keep might be the first real struggle Sam Presti has.

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