Oklahoma City Thunder power forward/center Chet Holmgren will miss eight to 10 weeks with a patellar tendon tear in his right knee, the team said Friday night.
Holmgren is the third Thunder starter ruled out for an extended period this week, joining forward Jalen Williams (fractured fibula, dislocated ankle) and guard Cason Wallace (torn labrum).
Holmgren’s Injury Timeline
According to the Thunder, Holmgren met with specialists after experiencing mild discomfort in his right knee on Sunday, the same day Williams and Wallace were hurt in a game against the LA Clippers. The team decided to perform a “biological treatment” on Friday to address what it called a “small” tear.
Thunder Stop Agbaji Signing
Holmgren’s injury led the Thunder to stop pursuing free agent forward Ochai Agbaji, sources told Shams Charania on Saturday. Agbaji was set to join the Thunder after the injuries to Williams and Wallace, but the team is taking a step back to reevaluate its open roster spot, sources said. Agbaji’s health was not a concern or factor in the decision, sources said.
Holmgren’s Injury History
Holmgren has suffered three significant injuries since the Thunder selected the 7-footer with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft. He missed the 2022-23 season after breaking a foot weeks after the draft. He missed a few months of the 2024-25 season because of a fractured pelvis, then returned to play a key role in the Thunder’s championship run.
Holmgren earned first-team All-Defensive and third-team All-NBA honors last season, when he averaged 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.
Wallace and Williams Update
The Thunder said Wallace underwent surgery Friday and will be reevaluated before the end of the regular season. Williams underwent surgery Wednesday and will also be reevaluated before the season ends, the team previously said.
Agbaji, the No. 14 pick in the 2022 draft, has averaged 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 263 games, including 108 starts. The New York Knicks waived him in final roster cuts earlier this month.