Chet Holmgren Sidelined for 8-10 Weeks as Thunder Reconsider Ochai Agbaji Signing

Posted : 01 November 2026

The Oklahoma City Thunder have suffered another major setback after star centre Chet Holmgren was ruled out for eight to 10 weeks with a patellar tendon tear in his right knee.

The franchise confirmed the development on Friday, October 30, following consultations with medical specialists. Holmgren underwent a biological treatment to address what the team described as a small tear. The procedure was successful, and the 24-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.

According to the Thunder, Holmgren first experienced mild discomfort in his right knee on October 25. The injury occurred around the same time the team lost two other important players, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, to serious injuries during their victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Williams suffered a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, requiring surgery on Wednesday. He will be re-evaluated before the end of the 2026-27 regular season.

Wallace also underwent successful surgery on Friday to address a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Like Williams, the guard will be assessed again before the regular season concludes.

Holmgren's absence represents another significant blow to Oklahoma City's championship ambitions. The 7-foot centre has become one of the team's most important defensive players since being selected with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

He missed his entire rookie season after suffering a foot injury during the summer of 2022. A fractured pelvis also forced him to miss several months during the 2024-25 campaign, although he returned in time to play an important role in the Thunder's championship success.

Last season, Holmgren established himself among the NBA's elite players, averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. His performances earned him a place on the All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defensive First Team.

Meanwhile, his latest injury has affected the Thunder's plans to strengthen their roster. Oklahoma City have reportedly withdrawn from their planned signing of free-agent forward Ochai Agbaji, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Agbaji had been expected to fill the team's remaining standard roster position following the injuries to Williams and Wallace. However, Holmgren's absence has prompted the franchise to reconsider how it will use the available roster spot.

Sources confirmed that Agbaji's fitness was not responsible for the decision. The Thunder are instead reassessing their options as they deal with an increasingly difficult injury situation.

The 26-year-old forward was selected 14th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 263 NBA regular-season games, recording career averages of 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds.

Oklahoma City must now find ways to maintain its competitive level without three important starters. More responsibility is expected to fall on Isaiah Hartenstein, Kenrich Williams and Jaylin Williams during Holmgren's recovery.

The Thunder's ability to navigate this difficult period could prove crucial to their hopes of defending their NBA championship.

Chet Holmgren Sidelined for 8-10 Weeks as Thunder Reconsider Ochai Agbaji Signing

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