Timberwolves should be thrilled as Thunder's financial reality is set to get more severe

The Minnesota Timberwolves may not have caught up to the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason. However, they can take solace in having improved by adding LaMelo Ball, while OKC cut into their depth to avoid the second tax apron. Thankfully, the Thunder's summer of savings won't just be a one-year theme; in fact, we might only be getting started. 

Recently, Bobby Marks of ESPN noted that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's extension kicking in and Cason Wallace's need for a new extension will make things difficult for the Thunder next summer.

"This summer, the Thunder escaped the second apron via the Dort trade but are likely entrenched there next season. With Year 1 of Gilgeous-Alexander's super max extension set to begin, Oklahoma City will be $3.3 million over the second apron. Barring a trade to free up room, that number will increase when factoring in Cason Wallace's next contract. The former first-rounder is eligible to sign a rookie extension but will become a restricted free agent if a contract is not reached by Oct. 19," Marks wrote. 

The Thunder might look to cut costs next summer

To Marks' point, Shai's contract goes up from $40.8 million to $60.6 million. Wallace's extensions add another complex wrinkle. Given both his defensive impact and the fact that the Thunder reportedly traded Lu Dort in part to extend him, you best believe Wallace will be extended. Dyson Daniels' four-year $100 million deal could be a worthy comparison that could put OKC in a tough spot. 

Now, the Thunder could dip into the second apron for a year. However, it's worth noting that teams are treating the second apron like a hard cap, with the Denver Nuggets being the lone second apron team right now (they likely find a way to dip under). So it's safe to predict the Thunder will make more cost-cutting moves, and that's great news for the Timberwolves.  

This offseason, the Thunder traded Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe. While they got worse by cutting into their depth, they didn't get miles worse. Dort was clearly the most important player of this bunch, and his $17.7 million contract was needed to accomplish the goal of avoiding the second apron.

How big Wallace's extension is will determine just how significant the Thunder's cost-cutting measures could be next year.

Assuming he earns a fairly sizable extension, though, Alex Caruso ($20.9 million) and Isaiah Hartenstein ($25 million) could be the next obvious trade candidates. Both players are crucial parts of OKC's defense and would be sizable losses that would, in turn, cause their depth to spiral. And honestly, I wouldn't rule out the Thunder trading Jalen Williams (or maybe even Chet Holmgren instead). 

SGA, Williams, and Holmgren take up 90 percent of the cap space. At some point, that could prove to be unsustainable, and that point could be soon.  

Worst-case scenario (for the Wolves): the Thunder keep all of these players and limit their future flexibility by being in the apron. As noted, though, given how teams are treating the apron, I'd expect that we see some more cost-cutting moves.

OKC's cost-cutting measures could help the Timberwolves topple them

While the Wolves benefited from the Thunder becoming more vulnerable this summer, it's still unlikely they can truly topple OKC. If they salary-dump Caruso or Hartenstein, though, that could be a game-changer. And while they'd get some real value back from Williams or Holmgren, trading one of these stars would be a massive loss. 

Look, the Thunder are always going to be good considering Shai and their great defense. Is there a world where their cost-cutting moves make them below juggernaut status? I think there is, and we could see that as soon as the 2027-28 season if they continue to cut into their depth or sacrifice some of their star power. They'd still be a threat, to be clear, and the Wolves would have to worry about the San Antonio Spurs a lot too.

For the Timberwolves, who have already been a fringe contender and have addressed their biggest flaw by adding LaMelo, OKC's cost-cutting direction could help them get over the hump either this upcoming season or the following year. 

At the very least, it would make things easier. With a well-constructed roster around Anthony Edwards, nobody should put limits on the Timberwolves this season. And if the Thunder do indeed opt to cut costs next summer, Minnesota could soon enough be top-tier contenders. 

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