Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren compared the offseason departures of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe to "losing a family member."
"That's how the business of this game goes," Holmgren told reporters Saturday at a USA Basketball Foundation charity event, including ESPN's Ben Golliver. "No team, all 17 guys, sticks together forever. But it doesn't make it hurt less when you see guys go.
"At the same time, I'm excited for (Dort and Wiggins) and the opportunity they're going to have in Atlanta. I'm happy for whatever major milestones they reach over there."
Dort, Wiggins, and Joe were all part of the Thunder's championship run in 2025.
Dort, who went undrafted seven years ago, developed into a perimeter stopper, earning NBA All-Defensive first-team honors in 2025. Meanwhile, both Wiggins and Joe provided valuable floor-spacing off the bench.
However, Oklahoma City opted to trade all three players this summer with Holmgren and Jalen Williams' contract extensions kicking in. The cost-cutting moves allowed the team enough financial flexibility to re-sign starting center Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $75-million contract.
While Holmgren is sad to see his former teammates go, he's got the utmost faith in the club's front office.
"I have complete trust in our team and the moves they make," Holmgren added. "I trust what they're doing is to get it right. It's my job to be in the gym all summer to get my stuff right."
