Should Thunder Prioritize Main Core Or Giannis Antetokounmpo?

BusinessSportsMoneyShould Thunder Prioritize Main Core Or Giannis Antetokounmpo?ByMark Medina,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. NBA reporterFollow AuthorMay 31, 2026, 01:27pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after an apparent injury against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on December 03, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAfter once appearing unstoppable, the Oklahoma City Thunder suddenly looked vulnerable.The Thunder labored through a 111-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday in a decisive Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The outcome yielded unsettling short-term and long-term developments.The short term: the Thunder lost out on the chance to advance to the NBA Finals in hopes to defend their NBA championship.The long term: the Thunder have to internalize what they need to do to ensure their championship window remains open. That window has not slammed shut. An NBA team hasn’t defended its championship since the Golden State Warriors did in 2017 and 2018 with future Hall-of-Famers in Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala. NBA history shows that multiple-time champions have won their titles in between playoff eliminations. Nonetheless, a strong breeze threatens that window to shut abruptly. It came in the form of the Spurs. They have a towering big man (Victor Wembanyama). They have one of the best’s NBA young backcourt (Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper) and a productive veteran to assist them (De’Aaron Fox). They have a proven...