# Thunder Struggle Without Holmgren

> Chet Holmgren's knee injury forces Thunder to rely on rookie Aday Mara as trade rumors intensify.
- Title: Thunder Struggle Without Holmgren · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Chet Holmgren's knee injury forces Thunder to rely on rookie Aday Mara as trade rumors intensify. Oklahoma City Thunder must adapt to losing Chet Holmgren…
- Keywords: oklahoma city thunder, chet holmgren, aday mara, jalen williams, cason wallace, nba, trade rumors, injury, sports, Thunder, Struggle, Without
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/chet-holmgren-injury-how-can-thunder-survive-trade-rumors
- Published: 2026-10-31T16:17:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: oklahoma city thunder, chet holmgren, aday mara, jalen williams, cason wallace, nba, trade rumors, injury, sports
## Holmgren's Injury Update
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Chet Holmgren underwent treatment for a small patellar tendon tear in his right knee, keeping him out for 8-10 weeks.
## Team's Injury Crisis
Jalen Williams is out for the season after a leg injury, and Cason Wallace will miss most of the season following shoulder surgery.
## Team's Current Standings
The Thunder are off to a 4-1 start but face challenges with three top players injured less than a month into the season.
## Depth Challenges
Oklahoma City's depth has been reduced by the departure of Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, exacerbating injury impacts.
## Rookie Mara's Role
Aday Mara, the 7-foot-3 center, has impressed in spot duty with 11 points and 10 rebounds in his first game without Holmgren.
## Mara's Offensive Impact
Mara's offense relies on finishing near the rim, with 80% of his field goals within four feet and 75% off zero dribbles.
## Mara's Defensive Strength
Mara has blocked seven shots in five games and is learning to manage increased minutes without fouling.
## Trade Rumors Intensify
With Williams and Wallace out, trade rumors swirl as the Thunder evaluate options before the December 15 deadline.
## Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Role
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game with a 45.9/26.5/87.5 shooting split.
## Injury Impact on Trade Strategy
The Thunder may wait for Holmgren's return in January before making a trade decision to assess his performance.
## Key takeaway

Oklahoma City Thunder must adapt to losing Chet Holmgren and key players, with rookie Aday Mara stepping up in his absence.