Until the 2026 NBA Draft actually arrives, we'll have very little idea what the Oklahoma City Thunder plan on doing with the 12th and 17th overall picks.
There's been significant buzz surrounding a trade-up, but the Thunder trading one of those picks for future draft capital (or simply making both selections) also remains a distinct possibility. One thing is certain, though. If Oklahoma City holds onto their pick at 12th overall, there's no better fit in that range than forward Yaxel Lendeborg out of Michigan.
As a result of his age, there's a very slim chance that Lendeborg goes inside the top-10. But the problem is that, as obvious as Lendeborg's fit in Oklahoma City is, his fit with the Golden State Warriors (who are slated to select at 11th overall) is even more clear. The Warriors need immediate rotational contributors to help fill out their roster over the remainder of the Stephen Curry era, and Lendeborg is among the players with the highest floor in this draft class.
Recent reporting, though, indicates there's room for change in the draft order. Jake Fischer, reporting yesterday via The Stein Line, indicated that there's at least some buzz around Golden State moving the 11th overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III.
"Golden State's selection has proven to be a spot on the board that various rival teams have begun to pinpoint as a potential trade opportunity … partly because New Orleans is no longer hanging up on teams calling to inquire about two-way wing Trey Murphy III and the Warriors' longstanding interest in Murphy has been well-chronicled." Jake Fischer via The Stein Line
Unless New Orleans is inexplicably in on Lendeborg in that spot, such a deal could open a door for him to fall to Oklahoma City at 12.
Warriors' desperation could help land the Thunder Yaxel Lendeborg at 12th overall
Despite any concerns that come with his age, Lendeborg is more than deserving of a lottery selection. He's a rangy and athletic jumbo wing, and he was impressively productive on a Michigan team with a three-big starting lineup. Across 40 games in 2025-26, he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 37.2% from 3-point range.
The Thunder will need to do some reconstruction on their roster this offseason as the extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren kick in. While they've shown a penchant over the past couple years for taking players with long-term upside, Lendeborg provides the perfect mix of potential for growth and immediate impact at this juncture. He'd be able to slot into the frontcourt almost immediately, especially if more than one of Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins are gone this offseason.
The same goes for the Warriors, who are significantly more bereft of frontcourt talent than the Thunder. But Golden State's situation is also distinctly different. With just one year left on Curry's current contract, there has to be a certain degree of urgency in the building to build a competitive roster. As good as Lendeborg is as a prospect, Murphy would provide the immediate two-way boost on the wing that the Warriors have long craved. If the Pelicans are desperate to move into the first round this year, a deal between the two parties is a reasonable outcome.
But if New Orleans is willing to deal their prime trade asset to move up to 11th overall, there has to be a prospect there that blows them out of the water. With Zion Williamson and Derik Queen already on their roster, there's very little chance for that prospect to be Lendeborg.
Of course, Lendeborg isn't the only target for the Warriors or for the Thunder in this draft. But if the Pelicans are able to pull off a deal, it would greatly increase the chances of Lendeborg being available when Oklahoma City comes on the board at 12th overall.
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