Thunder Make Surprise Trade Just Days After Winning NBA Championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder are roughly a week removed from capturing their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008. 

After finishing the season with a league-best 68–14 record, and led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder capped their historic run with a Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.

Despite the celebration, Oklahoma City has quickly shifted into offseason mode. They added two new players through the NBA draft: first-round pick Thomas Sorber and second-round selection Brooks Barnhizer.

With their core roster intact, Thunder GM Sam Presti made a somewhat surprising move Saturday evening, agreeing to trade Dillon Jones and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Colby Jones—who the Thunder are reportedly expected to waive in order to free up a roster spot.

The move comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that the Thunder selected Dillon Jones with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft out of Weber State. While Jones struggled to carve out a consistent role in the Thunder’s rotation during his rookie year, it’s notable that the organization is already moving on from a recent first-round pick after just one season. 

The decision appears to be aimed at clearing roster space—whether for their incoming rookies, a potential undrafted free agent, or an upcoming move in free agency.

Jones, 23, spent most of his rookie season with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League, where he averaged 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.

USA: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Dillon Jones (3) runs down the court between plays against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Paycom Center.

© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Right now, the Thunder are in as strong a position as any team in the league moving forward. Their core group is under contract, and with extension decisions looming for rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, those deals are expected to become top priorities for Sam Presti in the near future.