The Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City a year later, where they became the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him the first head coach in Thunder history. Carlesimo was fired on November 22, 2008 by the Thunder after a 1–12 start. During his time with the Sonics and Thunder, he coached the USA select basketball team that scrimmaged the US National Team in preparation for the 2007 FIBA tournament and 2008 Summer Olympics. The team included Kevin Durant and Jeff Green of the Thunder.