The recent re-signing of Jalen Williams, coming just days after the max extension of Chet Holmgren, should undoubtedly be viewed as proper draft decisions paying off for the OKC Thunder.
However, on the flip side, it's also yet another example of just how big of a flop Ousmane Dieng has been for the ball club since coming to the Sooner State.
All three of the aforementioned players were selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, with Holmgren going second overall, Dieng 11, and Williams falling to 12.
Of the trio, Chet and J-Dub have managed to establish themselves as key cogs within Oklahoma City's core, playing significant roles in the team's title run this past season and, considering their max re-ups, are obviously viewed as focal points in a potential dynasty push.
Dieng, meanwhile, is coming off his third season in the association where he played in just 37 games and was a regular DNP recipient and garbage time participant throughout the 2025 postseason.
Clearly, the decision to take him within the top-10 of the lottery (and to trade up to get him, no less) is one Sam Presti and company likely wish they could have back.
Recent extensions further show Ousmane Dieng as Thunder draft bust
At this point, Dieng serves as a mere roster filler, which, in many ways, restricts the Thunder from seamlessly pursuing other players this offseason who could be of far more use to the club on the court.
Now, as far as his future in the NBA is concerned, hope for him eventually finding his niche is far from lost.
After all, he's still only 22 years old and three years removed from being a highly touted overseas prospect who drew comparisons as high as established All-Star talents like Brandon Ingram and Paul George.
Frankly, with his impressive 6-foot-9 length with a 7-foot wingspan, coupled his flashes of all-around brilliance when given extended run down in the G League (17.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 47.2 percent shooting), if put on the trade market, there's bound to be several teams around the league found inquiring about his services.
Of course, in order to move off of the youngster, the Thunder will have to be willing to receive pennies on the dollar compared to his original draft stock.
When it comes to benefiting both parties, it appears that a parting of ways, even in this fashion, would be the best course of action.