Where the 2025 NBA Finalists Go From Here

Two weeks ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder became 2025 NBA champions, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series that thrilled basketball fans. The only blemish on the Finals was a devastating Achilles injury to Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton in the first quarter of Game 7.

The Thunder finished the season with a 68-14 record, the best in the league. Facing the 50-32 Pacers, many analysts predicted a Thunder win in five games.

Indiana lacked Oklahoma City’s defensive prowess and did not have a scoring duo quite as prolific as Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Jalen Williams, making their defeat seem inevitable. But the Pacers stole Game 1 and showed they were far from overmatched. As the series progressed, their heart, talent, and game plan kept pace with the Thunder.

Both teams entered the Finals with versatile, well-constructed rosters that matched up well with any playoff opponent. They are young, talented, and built to fit their style of play. Because of that, neither franchise is expected to make dramatic roster changes heading into next season.

Thunder Offseason Outlook

With an average roster age of just 26, Oklahoma City’s front office is focused on continuity. The Thunder started their summer by locking in Shai Gilgeous Alexander with a four year, $285 million supermax extension. His $71.5 million annual salary is now the highest in NBA history.

They also re-signed backup big man Jaylin Williams to a three year, $24 million deal. Williams played meaningful playoff minutes, especially in the second round series against Denver, where he spent time guarding Nikola Jokic. Rookie Ajay Mitchell also signed a three year, $9 million deal after showing promise during the regular season. He fits the mold of a typical large Oklahoma City guard.

Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, both 2022 draft picks, are now eligible for rookie extensions and are expected to receive new deals this summer. Both were instrumental in the Thunder’s title run.

Williams averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game during the playoffs, including a 40 point outburst in Game 5 of the Finals. After that game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle called Williams the quintessential modern-day wing. High praise from one of the league’s most respected coaches.

Holmgren added 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, offering floor spacing, rim protection, and surprising agility when switched onto guards. While his scoring and rebounding were not always consistent, his versatility and upside remain sky-high.

The trio of Gilgeous Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren not only has on-court chemistry but also a visible off-court friendship. That bond, combined with their performance, makes it likely this core stays intact until salary cap constraints force changes.

Aside from two new rookies, Oklahoma City is expected to return largely the same roster next season. With championship experience now under their belts, the Thunder could be even better in 2026. The Rockets and Nuggets are adding depth to challenge them, and Minnesota remains a real threat, but Oklahoma City enters the season as the team to beat in the West.

Pacers Offseason Outlook

The Pacers are expected to make even fewer moves this offseason. With Haliburton out for most, if not all, of next season, Indiana’s championship window is temporarily on hold.

Longtime center Myles Turner, a free agent this summer, signed a four year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Turner had been a Pacer since 2015, but with Haliburton sidelined, the team likely realized that his return alone would not keep them in the title race. Turner capitalized on his playoff performance and joined a potential contender.

Indiana is reportedly targeting Jazz center Walker Kessler as Turner’s replacement. Kessler, age 23, averaged 11.1 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season. He is not the shooter Turner is, but he is a better rebounder and rim protector, and his age aligns more closely with Haliburton’s timeline.

Despite Carlisle calling the re-signing of Turner the number one priority earlier this summer, Kessler’s potential addition would be a smart pivot.

Without Haliburton’s unique playmaking, it is hard to see Indiana finishing above .500 next season. They could still be a playoff team, but advancing deep again is unlikely. Whether they can return to Finals contention once Haliburton is back, presumably in 2027, remains to be seen.