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How Mark Daigneault planted ‘seeds' to Thunder's NBA Finals growth
The post How Mark Daigneault planted 'seeds' to Thunder's NBA Finals growth appeared first on ClutchPoints. OKLAHOMA CITY — In a regular season where the Oklahoma City Thunder finished with a 24-58 record, head coach Mark Daigneault saw glimmers of hope. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Defensive guard Lu Dort are the only remaining starters from the 2021-22 squad, and Kenrich Williams and Aaron Wiggins, a rookie at the time, still come off the bench for Daigneault. Still, so much has changed as the Thunder are the favorites entering the NBA Finals. Advertisement After winning 22 and 24 games in back-to-back seasons, the Thunder finished with 40 wins in 2022-23, then finished with the best record in the Western Conference with a 57-25 mark last season, to a franchise-record 68 wins this year. During NBA Finals Media Day, Daigneault reflected on those early years that set the stage for his first NBA Finals appearance. 'There were very early flickers even in those early years. Those were challenging years at different times. Certainly, they looked like challenging years on paper,' Daigneault said. 'How it felt every day wasn't a reflection of our record or our standing in the league; you could feel that something was starting to simmer. You could feel that some of the seeds we were planting were going to be flowering at some point. There were very early indications of that, even in those seasons. 'So, we were confident even back then. Not necessarily that we'd be in the Finals right now. You never know the timing of when things come together. But we were confident that we were building something special and something that had the ability to sustain,' Daigneault concluded. For Daigneault and the Thunder, the early habits translated into wins, which built confidence both individually and as a team. Advertisement 'Then, as time went on, there were just more and more experiences that gave us more confidence in that, but that belief existed at the earliest point in time,' Daigneault added. 'A lot of that had to do with the way the guys were approaching every day, independent of the outcome of the games.' Now, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is in the NBA Finals. Chet Holmgren's 17 winners Thunder take before NBA Finals Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Thunder forward Chet Holmgren says his team's confidence resonates throughout all of his teammates. It's what's led to a successful season, where the Thunder are four wins away from an NBA title. Advertisement 'The biggest thing is playing for each other. It's the type of guys that we have here,' Holmgren said. 'Everybody's going to tell you that they're a winner, and everybody is a winner until it's inconvenient for them. I feel like we have a team with 17 winners that are going to put winning at the top.' The Thunder will host the Pacers in Game 1. Related: Why Pacers' Aaron Nesmith is ready for SGA after Jalen Brunson battle Related: Thunder's Chet Holmgren makes '17 winners' declaration ahead of NBA Finals
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Heat rumors: Zach Lowe praises Kevin Durant trade decision
The post Heat rumors: Zach Lowe praises Kevin Durant trade decision appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Miami Heat were among several teams engaged in trade talks for Kevin Durant before the Phoenix Suns dealt the 36-year-old forward to the Houston Rockets. Despite having the assets to potentially outbid Houston, Miami opted to hold firm in negotiations — an approach that NBA analyst Zach Lowe supported during a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show. Advertisement Lowe praised Miami's decision not to pursue Durant at all costs, noting that the organization likely went through internal reflection before deciding against a full-throttle push. 'I think the Heat doing that is a very look-in-the-mirror moment for Pat Riley that was probably difficult,' Lowe said. 'You know Pat Riley wants to go for it, and you know that the Heat could beat the offer that eventually got Kevin Durant. And I think calmer winds prevail.' Miami's reported reluctance to include rookie big man Kel'el Ware or other key young players became a sticking point in negotiations. While Durant remains one of the league's most efficient offensive weapons, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting during the 2024–25 season, questions about his durability at age 36 factored into the Heat's stance. Advertisement 'It's not going to be good enough,' Lowe continued. 'They like all of us watched these playoffs… the depth, the ferocity, the toll it takes on your body and just asked themselves like, 'can we depend on 38-year-old Kevin Durant surviving those playoffs healthy… while playing high-level basketball that this team stripped of its depth is going to need him to play,' and they just said no. And I don't blame them for that decision at all.' Heat refused to include key young players and picks in Kevin Durant trade Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports The Rockets ultimately acquired Durant in a deal that included Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round selections. ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported that Miami's final offer featured Andrew Wiggins and the No. 20 pick, though Phoenix opted for the more aggressive package from Houston. Advertisement 'Their best offer stood with Andrew Wiggins and the 20th pick in this year's draft headlining the deal. Phoenix opted for the 10th pick package.' Additional reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania noted that the Heat declined to include Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, and multiple picks together in any single proposal. 'The Heat made multiple offers for Durant but ultimately turned down the opportunity to place Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, the No. 20 pick and other draft assets all together in a deal, sources said.' Miami, which was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after securing the No. 8 seed via the Play-In Tournament, now shifts its focus to alternative trade targets. The franchise continues to evaluate upgrades around Bam Adebayo while maintaining flexibility with its young core. Advertisement Durant's move to Houston alters the competitive landscape in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Heat's decision to prioritize long-term sustainability over a high-risk superstar gamble has drawn measured praise as the offseason unfolds. Related: Heat makes Davion Mitchell contract move ahead of free agency Related: NBA rumors: Lakers check in with Heat on Andrew Wiggins trade
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander applauds Thunder front office for NBA title
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander applauds Thunder front office for NBA title appeared first on ClutchPoints. OKLAHOMA CITY — After capturing his first NBA championship in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star and NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showered the front office with appreciation for a remarkable journey. Gilgeous-Alexander's NBA Finals MVP award tops a campaign that only Hall of Fame guard Michael Jordan and centers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal can relate to. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander added finals MVP to winning the scoring title, and regular-season MVP, along with, of course, the NBA championship. After the win, Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the Thunder front office for putting him in a position to ascend into the association's brightest star. 'I'm so happy for them. They put in so much work behind the scenes and not everybody sees,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'They don't always get the credit, but they've done an amazing job of building an environment, a winning environment. And it's not a fluke why we're here and why we have so much success, and why we've grown so quickly. Those guys have done a great job giving us a platform to be ourselves and be great, and we did so.' Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 29 points, 12 assists, two blocks, and one steal in Sunday's series-clinching 103-91 win against the Pacers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander eligible for $293.4 million extension Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible for a max contract after such a historic season that led to a championship run. While Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren's respective extensions would start a year earlier than Gilgeous-Alexander's, in 2026, SGA could cash in up to $81.2 million in one season. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander's max deal could average over $73 million per season, while the salary of $80 million or more in one season would be a first in the NBA, per ESPN's Bobby Marks. 'The MVP is eligible to sign a four-year, $293.4 million supermax extension ($65.5 million, $70.7 million, $76 million, $81.2 million),' Marks wrote. 'Because he has two years left on his contract, the $65.5 million salary in the first year would not start until 2027-28. The extension is unprecedented for two reasons. The $73.3 million average over the four seasons is the highest in NBA history. 'And next, Gilgeous-Alexander will probably become the first player with a salary of $80 million or more in one season. He led the league in scoring and had 71 straight 20-point games, the fourth-longest streak in NBA history,' Marks concluded. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.3 points on 44.3% shooting, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks against the Pacers in the NBA Finals, making him the clear-cut candidate for his second MVP award of the 2024-25 campaign. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren in line for $247 million contract extensions Related: Thunder player who made history by winning title before even playing a game
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Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade
The post Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Jalen Williams hype train is not slowing down anytime soon. What a year he had. He surged into a role and took the league by storm. Paired alongside the league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams was able to hit career highs in almost every category and win an NBA Championship in his third season. Advertisement Williams' numbers increased a ton. From 2024 to 2025, his points per game increased from 19.1 to 21.6, assists from 4.5 to 5.1, rebounds from 4.0 to 5.3, and steals from 1.1 to 1.6. His field goal percentage decreased a tad, but he attempted more shots per game. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Williams scored 40 points on 56% shooting in a masterclass performance. The former first-round pick played a crucial role with the Thunder this season and will likely be remembered forever already as one of the best players to put on a Thunder uniform. During the championship parade on Tuesday, Williams had an emotional message to the fans. 'None of this is possible without you guys. You guys have been through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you guys. We love you guys.' Advertisement Williams has just one year left on his contract. He is due for a major payday at the right time. Both Williams and Chet Holmgren are in line for major contract extensions. 'Holmgren and Williams are eligible to sign up to a five-year, $247 million extension. The total value could increase to $296 million if MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year escalator clauses are included,' ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote. 'The increase in salary will only occur if either player reaches one of the three criteria for the 2025-26 season.' Williams was an All-NBA Second Teamer this past season, so he could reach up to $296 million. His incredible rise to fame is only going to get better once he gets the payday he deserves. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams 'feeling loose' at parade after viral 'Shirley Temples' comment Related: Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook
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Heat rumors: Miami's draft plans linked to star Florida guard
The post Heat rumors: Miami's draft plans linked to star Florida guard appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the Miami Heat preparing for the NBA Draft with the first round on Wednesday, there are no doubt many fans who have their picks on who the team should select. While the Heat look to avoid making a mistake in the NBA Draft, the team's recent selections have been anything but that, as the latest report connects a college player staying in-state. Advertisement ClutchPoints' NBA insider Brett Siegel would have Miami taking the University of Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. with the 20th overall pick after the guard led his program to a national title. Especially after missing out on trading for Kevin Durant, the team does need another scoring threat and a point guard, which Clayton fills in. Plus, Siegel would report that the Heat picking the Gator has 'gained momentum among league personnel.' 'The Miami Heat are said to be valuing experienced prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft that can provide an instant impact on the court rather than youthful projects with long-term upside,' Siegel wrote. 'As a result, Walter Clayton Jr., who just led Florida to a national championship, can become the Heat's point guard next to Tyler Herro in the backcourt.' 'After missing out on trading for Durant, Miami needs to prioritize finding scoring threats next to Herro and Bam Adebayo,' Siegel continued. 'Outside of Herro, the Heat don't have other lead playmakers in their backcourt, which makes Clayton a high-upside pick for Pat Riley. Clayton to Miami has gained momentum among league personnel in recent days.' Walter Clayton Jr. fits what the Heat needs Scott Wachter-Imagn Images After the Heat wasn't able to land Durant, as mentioned before, the team could look to the draft in building a foundation from their other first-round picks that have been successful. With the main duo of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro leading Miami, other first-round picks such as last year's Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic figure to be a big part next season, with Clayton's traits likely to fit in nicely. Advertisement 'Clayton is a dynamic scorer and finisher with the ball in his hands who doesn't back down from a challenge,' Siegel wrote. 'He may be listed at 6-foot-2, but Clayton never shies away from contact and proved to be one of the best perimeter players off the dribble in the draft when he led the Gators to a title.' At any rate, Miami is looking to improve after finishing with a 37-45 record, which put them 10th in the Eastern Conference before they were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Related: Heat's 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in history Related: Heat rumors: Miami's final Kevin Durant offer prior to Rockets trade, revealed
