Since even before the NBA Draft Lottery, there was constant speculation that the Oklahoma City Thunder would look to move off of one (or both) of their first-round picks. Given the financial constraints they face this offseason and the amount of depth that was already on their roster, that would have been a viable move.
Instead, they held onto both selections, taking Michigan center Aday Mara at 12th overall and Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz with a trade up to 16th overall. The Stirtz pick makes sense, as he provides immediate ball-handling depth to the Thunder's backcourt. The Mara pick makes sense as well, especially as the future of Isaiah Hartenstein remains uncertain.
But with Thomas Sorber already in the fold, their decision to spend that draft capital on a center is somewhat surprising. While it might not give us the full picture of what's happening this offseason with Hartenstein, it sends a clear message to Sorber, who was already going to need to fight for a rotational role in 2026-27.
Just one year after selecting Sorber at 15th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Mara's selection makes that path infinitely more difficult for the Georgetown product. It's a devastating blow for a player that has yet to appear in his first NBA game.
Thomas Sorber's time on the Thunder may have already come to an end
When it comes to finding a piece to help match up against the size of Victor Wembanyama, there wasn't a better option than Mara. The Michigan product measured at 7'3" with a 9'9" standing reach at the NBA Combine. He's not the most mobile defender, but he's a serious rim protector and can consistently alter shots with his massive frame. Although his offensive game is going to need some polishing, especially around the rim, he's also capable of operating as a ball-handler and playmaker out of the post.
Sorber came into the league significantly smaller, measuring at 6'9" with a 9'1" standing reach at his Combine. But there was comparable upside with that pick, especially on defense.
Sorber hasn't gotten the chance to show off his polished game at the NBA level, though. He missed the entirety of his rookie season with a torn ACL. Even so, it would have been reasonable to think that the Thunder would be content with a center rotation of Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and Sorber heading into 2026-27, with Jaylin Williams available as a small-ball option.
Mara's selection doesn't necessarily throw a wrench in the Holmgren-Hartenstein pairing. Mara averaged just 23.4 minutes per game last season at Michigan, and there are serious concerns about his conditioning as he enters the NBA. He's a reliable third big for now, but there would be risk in giving him a major role, especially considering the specialized defensive scheme that will be needed to maximize his impact as a rookie.
But even if that's the case, it leaves Sorber with virtually no path toward earning a spot in the rotation even once he returns from his injury.
It remains to be seen what will happen this offseason, but the Mara pick may have just confirmed Sorber's future with the Thunder.
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