Draft night trades are nothing new to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they've completed at least one in each of the last five years. According to recent rumblings, it appears this trend may continue through 2025's festivities.
Yahoo Sports' NBA Insider Jake Fischer claims the Thunder are among a small group of clubs that have been "mentioned by rival executives as teams to monitor for potential trades up into the late lottery."
The last time Oklahoma City traded up into the lottery was back in 2022, when general manager Sam Presti moved three first-round picks to acquire the rights to Ousmane Dieng from the New York Knicks.
In his three seasons with the Thunder, Dieng hasn't quite panned out the way Presti hoped, with his crowning moment being his efforts during the 2024 G League Championship and subsequent winning of the game's MVP award.
Despite his underwhelming track record, however, the storied executive is apparently open to rolling the dice yet again, and, should these rumors wind up becoming reality, there are three prospects Oklahoma City should be targeting.
Nique Clifford, G/F -- Colorado State
Over the last few years, it seems that the Thunder's draft picks who ultimately become rotational mainstays have been regarded as high-floor, two-way players, with examples ranging from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams to, more recently, Cason Wallace.
Nique Clifford checks these same boxes, as the 23-year-old wing has a strong case for being viewed as the best win-now player in the 2025 class.
In his 2024-2025 campaign with Colorado State, the wing averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals per game while maintaining 49.6/ 37.7/ 77.7 shooting splits. He's an elite rebounder and switchable defender who can be immediately thrust into an all-world Oklahoma City defense.
His versatility and impact on winning are easily seen through the numbers, as he was one of four players in the nation to hold at least a 10.0 BPM and 3.0 DBPM while shooting 37.0 percent from three-point range (excluding Dylan Cardwell, who shot just two three-pointers all season).
Clifford also maintained a positive assist-to-turnover ratio, showcasing his veteran-esque decision-making. Though he may measure in at just 6-foot-6, the 23-year-old plays much larger than that, and can keep up with physical players.
Sounds a lot like the majority of the current Thunder roster, doesn't it?
Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C -- South Carolina
Speaking of players who play up to their size, nobody in the 2025 NBA Draft class does so more than Collin Murray-Boyles.
The 6-foot-7, 245-pound sophomore sports the physicality of a bowling ball that many have compared to former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green.
Similar to the All-Star's early days, the South Carolina product has a raw offensive game that needs a ton of polishing. He attacks the rim at will and gets to the charity stripe at a solid rate, but shot just 70.7 percent from the line and 26.5 percent from beyond the arc in 2024-25.
Despite being undersized for his position, Murray-Boyles could be a perfect long-term staple in Oklahoma City's frontcourt rotation.
With Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein (club option) all set to enter free agency in 2026, it's likely that at least one of the three will be leaving the team by then. Though Murray-Boyles may not have an immediate spot in the rotation, he'll be slotted to contribute minutes for years after.
Cedric Coward, G/F -- Washington State
Playing just six career games at a high-major Division 1 level usually doesn't warrant being a lottery pick. Washington State's Cedric Coward is the exception to this rule.
His draft stock skyrocketed up draft boards after a stellar NBA Combine performance showcasing his long reach, impressive handle, and knockdown jumper.
That lanky 7-foot-2-inch wingspan has drawn him comparisons to Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams, making him all the more enticing for Presti to snag with a lottery selection.
Coward has seen an increased role in each of his last three collegiate seasons, which he has handled efficiently, holding career shooting splits of 59.3/38.6/83.3.
The 21-year-old's ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot at a volume, switch on defense, and finish efficiently around and above the rim is a perfect fit with the Thunder, not only now, but for years to come.