The arguments for why OKC Thunder should, shouldn't keep Kenrich Williams

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After falling five wins shy of their back-to-back ambitions, the Oklahoma City Thunder return to square one with the rest of the league. Enjoying spotless roster continuity over the last few years, they're going through some roster shakeups around the complementary pieces.

Such is life in the NBA. You can't have the same group of guys together forever. Eventually, locker rooms change. New cast of characters shows up. Approaching a fork on the road, the Thunder might need to ship off some familiar faces — both for basketball and financial reasons.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are about to balloon OKC's payroll for the foreseeable future. The two-time MVP winner will soon start his next megadeal. Meanwhile, Williams and Holmgren are about to start their contract extensions they signed last summer, fresh off an NBA championship.

Because of that, the Thunder could ship out some role players. One is Kenrich Williams. He has a $7.2 million 2026-27 team option that they must decide on Monday. Let's lay out the case for why OKC should and shouldn't run it back with the 31-year-old:

Why the Thunder should move on from Williams​

As one of the longest-tenured players, Williams has seen his playing time dwindle over the years. He only averaged 15 minutes in 56 games this past season. At this point, he sits near the bottom of OKC's depth chart. You shouldn't stress out too much about who occupies that spot if you're the Thunder. As awesome of a locker-room presence as he is, there are probably younger options with more upside.

At this point, it feels like Williams' best years are behind him. The 31-year-old is on the backend of his career. And considering the Thunder continue to add layers of new talent, it's difficult to envision him playing meaningful minutes for next season and beyond. Sure, he's great to have as a third-string player. But perhaps he has higher ambitions as his career-trajectory arrow slowly descends. He can't accomplish that in OKC. But certainly could on several other contenders needing depth.

There's also the financial aspect in all of this. The Thunder remain in the second apron — even with shaving off Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins from their books. Moving on from Williams will inch them closer to their goal of getting below it. While his team-option salary isn't egregious in a vacuum per se, you have to multiply it by how much it'll cost to bring him back with additional tax penalties. Just doesn't make sense to do so for an end-of-the-bench guy.

Why the Thunder should keep Williams​

After the Thunder were bounced from the NBA playoffs, Williams reiterated that he wants to retire in OKC. And if he's cool with doing so on a veteran minimum deal, why shouldn't the Thunder oblige his wishes? If his option gets declined, we're about to see the 31-year-old meet a fork on the road. Is he cool in his current role or will he desire to go elsewhere for more money and minutes? If he chooses the former, then things can get worked out.

On a roster filled with them, Williams has been one of OKC's best finds. He was a throw-in name in their 2020 Steven Adams deal. Most thought he wouldn't have even made the roster. But since his arrival, he's played six seasons of great basketball. Sure, his role has diminished with each year as the Thunder add more talent, but he's always taken advantage of whatever playing time he's had.

I'm sure the Thunder would love for that dynamic to continue — on just a much smaller salary. Every penny counts from here on out. It's really hard to justify Williams' team-option salary next season if he remains the 13th man on the depth chart — despite OKC's affinity for him. This feels like one of those situations where one side has more incentive than the other to keep things going.

Final verdict​

At this point, it feels like the ball is on Williams' court. Expect the Thunder to decline his team option. After that, the 31-year-old has all the power to make his next move. If he's serious about staying in OKC, he has to understand it'll be in a similar role and on a smaller salary. But if he wants to better his individual ambitions, there'd be plenty of suitors who could promise more minutes and even a little bit more money.

I still think Williams can contribute on the court, for what it's worth. He averaged 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds last season in limited minutes. He shot 38.8% from 3 on 2.3 attempts. His defense remains a positive. There's a reason why folks have been banging on the table for him to be more prominent in OKC's rotation. Alas, it just never materialized for whatever reason.

The Thunder have been one of the deepest teams for the last couple of seasons. Williams being a luxury is one of their biggest flexing points toward that. We'll see if that continues. But I wouldn't blame him if he sought better opportunities elsewhere — even if it means kinda going back on his word. The NBA is a business at the end of the day. Players have to fully maximize the small windows they get in their playing career. Both from a role and financial standpoint.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: The arguments for why OKC Thunder should, shouldn't keep Kenrich Williams

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