The Thunder were preparing to add help on the wing. Now they’re taking another look at where they need it most.
Oklahoma City has opted against signing free agent Ochai Agbaji at this time, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The decision follows Friday’s announcement that Chet Holmgren is expected to miss eight-to-10 weeks with a small patellar tendon tear in his knee.
Charania reports that the Thunder are reevaluating their options for the open roster spot. Basically, the list of needs keeps growing.
The Thunder were already short on perimeter players after losing Jalen Williams to a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, Cason Wallace to a torn labrum and rookie Otega Oweh to a season-ending Achilles injury. Holmgren’s extended absence now creates another sizable hole up front, where Thomas Sorber has also been unavailable following knee surgery.
That doesn’t establish that a center will be the next addition. It does explain why Oklahoma City is reconsidering how to use its remaining standard roster opening.
Agbaji, 26, remains available after being waived by the Knicks on Oct. 15. The former No. 14 overall pick averaged 10.4 points and shot 39.9 percent from three for Toronto in 2024-25, but his production dropped last season.
Across stops with the Raptors and Nets, he averaged 5.1 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 26.6 percent from deep. Brooklyn declined to extend a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent over the summer.
MORE HOOPS | Available NBA free agents by position
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