Oklahoma City Thunder forward-center Chet Holmgren said Saturday that the offseason departures of three contributors from the franchise's 2025 championship team carried a significant emotional weight.
Speaking with reporters, Holmgren described the moves as feeling "like losing a family member," reflecting the close bonds formed during the Thunder's title run. At the same time, he acknowledged the reality of roster movement in the NBA, saying, "that's how the business of this game goes."
The comments underscored the balance players often face after championship seasons, when success can be followed by difficult personnel changes. For Oklahoma City, the departures marked a shift from the group that helped deliver the 2025 title, even as the franchise continues forward with Holmgren as one of its central pieces.
Holmgren's remarks captured both the personal impact of losing teammates and the professional understanding required in a league where roster turnover is a constant part of team building.