The Oklahoma City Thunder, entering next season as championship favorites, face a crucial decision regarding their roster composition, particularly concerning Ousmane Dieng. Despite a quiet offseason so far, the team’s strategy to maximize its roster flexibility could involve moving Dieng to open a spot for potential additions this year.
Current Roster Stability and Past Moves
The Thunder plan to return with 14 of their 15 standard contract players from last season after trading Dillon Jones to the Washington Wizards to make room for first-round draft pick Thomas Sorber. Building on strong home playoff success, Oklahoma City prioritizes maintaining its regular season performance to secure home-court advantage in critical postseason games.
Last season, the team utilized its 15th roster spot dynamically, signing several players during the first half of the season. This flexibility led to Branden Carlson’s breakout and eventual two-way contract signing. The spot was later filled permanently by Ajay Mitchell after a two-way contract conversion, illustrating the team’s approach to balancing roster control with strategic signings.
The Role of an Open Roster Spot and Dieng’s Position
Keeping a roster spot open proved valuable in the past, enabling a deadline trade for Daniel Theis, who was waived but secured a second-round pick for the team. With that in mind, Oklahoma City might again aim to have an available spot for adjusting their lineup, but that would likely come at the expense of Dieng, who currently has no defined role on the team.
At 22 years old, Dieng has shown glimpses of potential during his first three seasons but has struggled to secure consistent playing time. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, his place within the Thunder’s rotation remains uncertain, especially given the depth of talent the team already possesses.
Dieng’s Future with the Thunder and Potential Trade Options
Dieng’s opportunity to make an impact may be limited to the early parts of the upcoming season, with the team likely already assessing his long-term fit. This has led to speculation that the Thunder could allow Dieng to pursue opportunities elsewhere, similar to their previous approach with Dillon Jones, in exchange for roster flexibility and focus on more immediate contributors to the championship bid.
Given Dieng is unlikely to start or play a significant part in the postseason rotation, retaining him in the final year of his contract might not align with Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations. Although his ideal version as a versatile big forward would complement the squad, that potential form remains uncertain and seems improbable to fully develop while in Oklahoma City.
Potential Benefits of Opening a Roster Spot
Whether the Thunder choose to convert a two-way contract player or pursue a more high-profile acquisition—rumors even suggest a possible Russell Westbrook reunion—creating an open roster spot could provide valuable flexibility moving forward. This option keeps the team adaptable for unexpected opportunities or midseason moves while focusing on immediate championship contention.
Oklahoma City’s careful evaluation of Dieng’s fit, combined with their commitment to maximizing roster efficiency, reflects a thoughtful approach aimed at building a team capable of repeating as NBA champions in the 2024-25 season.