NBA Rumors: Thunder Plan to Sign Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins to Long-Term Contracts
June 29, 2024
The Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be solidifying the team's depth in the long-term future.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the Thunder are declining team options on Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins for 2024-25. This decision was made to clear "the way for the team to work with both players on long-term deals in July."
Shams Charania @ShamsCharaniaThe Oklahoma City Thunder are declining 2024-25 team options on Isaiah Joe ($2.1 million) and Aaron Wiggins ($2 million), clearing the way for the team to work with both players on long-term deals in July, sources tell <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthletic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthletic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Stadium?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Stadium</a>.
Joe was set to earn $2.1 million on the option while Wiggins would have made $2 million. Both players would have become unrestricted free agents following the 2024-25 season.
Joe averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 78 games in 2023-24. Wiggins averaged 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 78 games. The duo started a combined five games, but this production was key for a Thunder team that took a big step forward in 2023-24.
Oklahoma City went 57-25 and earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. It would advance to the second round of the playoffs but would eventually fall to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
The story of the team centered around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, but Wiggins and Joe played roles in keeping the pace when the starters needed to rest. While a cheaper option may have been to let the two play on options, committing to them long-term could be what helps the team develop a culture that surrounds its young stars.
