Oklahoma City Thunder could face $500M bill as repeater tax becomes bigger concern than apron

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s biggest financial issue may soon be the repeater tax rather than the second apron. NBA executives believe the tax could become the biggest obstacle to keeping the championship core together.

Following Cason Wallace’s $139 million extension, Oklahoma City is projected to have roughly $250 million in payroll plus around $200 million in luxury tax next season, bringing the total close to $450 million.

That figure could approach $500 million in 2027-28 once the Thunder’s three first-round picks are included. “They will not be paying that much,” one rival executive said, predicting Sam Presti will eventually have to find ways to reduce the bill.