The Oklahoma City Thunder are entering the 2024-25 season as a top contender after a successful previous campaign, where they finished with a 57-win record and the top seed in the Western Conference. With the addition of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder aim to address weaknesses in their roster, particularly in backup point guard and frontcourt size. Despite their strong positioning, the team faces challenges from rivals like the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets, all of whom pose legitimate threats in the playoff race. Additionally, the Thunder possess a valuable collection of draft assets, ranking near the top in the NBA, which could facilitate future trades to enhance their team further. However, concerns about their depth and playoff experience linger, especially following last season's postseason exit against the Mavericks. As the season approaches, strategic decisions regarding trades and player integration will be crucial for solidifying their championship aspirations.