OKC Thunder mailbag: What does Ousmane Dieng's future look like?

The NBA offseason is in its quietest period with rosters mostly set as front offices take vacations before training camps begin. The Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off a historic 68-14 season and NBA championship, aim to repeat in the 2025-26 season, having secured core players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren with new extensions.

Attention turns to Ousmane Dieng's uncertain future with the Thunder. The 22-year-old, part of the team's impactful 2022 draft class, has been the odd man out. His development, initially viewed as a long-term project, has been hampered by untimely injuries and the team's rapid ascent. Despite spending significant time developing with the G League's OKC Blue, he has averaged only 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 109 career NBA games over three seasons.

Given his expiring $6.7 million salary and the Thunder's current depth, Dieng is now widely expected to be traded, either this offseason or at the trade deadline. He hasn't shown enough production to warrant a second contract, and the Thunder's championship roster offers him limited opportunity, particularly for the on-ball, rhythm scoring role he displayed in the G League. A fresh start on a rebuilding team is seen as beneficial for his growth.

In any trade, Dieng would not be the headliner but rather a secondary piece or a "flyer" for another team. His expiring contract is a valuable asset for trade construction, and his youth could appeal to rebuilding teams hoping a change of scenery unlocks his potential. The Thunder might hold onto him until the trade deadline to assess potential playoff roster upgrades, but a move appears inevitable. The article concludes that drafting Dieng was a worthwhile gamble during the Thunder's rebuild, even if his future now lies elsewhere.