Everyone seems to be buzzing about how the OKC Thunder could end up with a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft thanks to the ongoing implosion of the LA Clippers.
However, perhaps lost in its shadow is the fact that they could realistically land another top-10 pick during the festivities thanks to the Derrick Favors salary-dump trade with the Jazz back in 2021.
Thunder could realistically land top-10 Jazz pick in 2026 NBA Draft
As things currently stand, Utah boasts a record of 9-15, which, if the draft were held today, would have them fall to the ninth overall selection on the draft board.
Due to the top-eight restrictions attached to the pick, this would mean that the rights would fall into the hands of the Thunder, with which they could have any number of top-shelf players to choose from.
While most are concentrated on Oklahoma City potentially snatching up the likes of Cameron Boozer or AJ Dybantsa with the top slot on the night, the 2026 draft class is widely considered to be rather deep, meaning this Jazz pick falling anywhere from nine to 12 could still help Sam Presti and company add on a true gem of a young talent.
At this range, teams are presumably eyeing guys like Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Tennessee wing Nate Ament, and New Zeland power forward Karim Lopez, all of whom are viewed as having star-level potential in the pros.
Over the years, the Thunder have built up a reputation of being able to find quality players later on in drafts. From Lu Dort (undrafted) in 2019 and Aaron Wiggins (55 overall) in 2021 to, most recently, Ajay Mitchell (38) in 2024, this defending champion roster is fleshed out with a bevy of diamond-in-the-rough-type players.
It is because of this innate skill of evaluation by this front office that the Thunder are not only set up to evade the new CBA's second apron penalties, but also find themselves trudging their way right toward dynasty status.
Within the next six months, OKC could realistically go on to win 70-plus games, become the first team since the 2018 Warriors to win back-to-back championships, and, if all goes well, come away from the 2026 NBA Draft with two top-10 picks.
Such a hypothetical has the rest of the league living in absolute fear. For the faithful followers of the Thunder franchise, it's a joyous reminder of the elite-level orchestrating from behind the scenes by Presti and co.