Alexander's contract extension sets up a complicated calculus the Thunder, the youngest roster in the NBA, must navigate.

The Pacers’ top scorer is Pascal Siakam, and he dented the Thunder for seven first-quarter points. Siakam scored nine points the rest of the game and made just two of seven shots. Jalen Williams had most of the defensive duties on Siakam. When Haliburton went down, Indiana needed Siakam’s scoring more than ever, but it never came.

Perhaps the two most important players alongside Thunder All-Star and league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Holmgren are vital to Oklahoma City making the most of its championship window. Williams and Holmgren, the two first-round draft mates of 2022 are also due for a big pay day, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.