​Starting on July 4, the Oklahoma City Thunder will begin two weeks of light, low-pressure basketball as they kick off the 2026 NBA Summer League schedule. They’re set to play at least seven games across Utah and Las Vegas from July 4-19, and for the first time they’ll see Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, and Otega Oweh in Thunder uniforms. The three rookies were added in the 2026 NBA draft, with other notable names on the Summer League roster including Brooks Barnhizer, Josh Dix, and Payton Sandfort, plus a host of undrafted rookies and G League players.
To prep for OKC’s upcoming weeks in Summer League, here are five storylines to watch in this low-stakes setting: Mara and Stirtz make their OKC debuts. All eyes will be on Mara, selected No. 12, and Stirtz, picked No. 16 via a trade-up. There’s plenty of intrigue around these two high-profile selections, and fans will dissect every small step they take as the Thunder reshapes its roster with trades. Mara helped Michigan win a national championship this past year. The 7-foot-3 center’s size and presence alter the floor geometry on both ends, a new dimension for OKC. Stirtz, meanwhile, could contribute right away, after an unusual path from Division II to Iowa that culminated in his NBA ascent.
Probable two-way guys. While not official yet, there’s a solid expectation that Barnhizer, Oweh, and Dix will be the Thunder’s two-way players to start the season. Barnhizer is back for a second year and brings energy but needs refinement, likely receiving substantial ball-handling reps. Oweh, the No. 41 pick in the 2026 draft, is known for his defense, while Dix signed with OKC as an undrafted free agent from Creighton and can stretch the floor with his shooting. All three are expected to log heavy minutes in Summer League.
How long will the headliners play? This is the perennial Summer League question. The first few days will be showcase moments as teams test out their newly acquired players. For the Thunder, Mara and Stirtz will likely appear in the early games—possibly spanning Utah’s portion of the schedule—before things wind down. Expect Mara to be eased into action and perhaps paused after a stretch, while Stirtz’s iron-man reputation from college could lead to longer stints, as the team evaluates his durability and fit.