The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to repeat as NBA champions, and could package the 12th and 17th picks in the 2026 NBA Draft to get into the top ten. They didn't move up in the lottery, but that just gives Sam Presti more reason to trade up. OKC already has 15 players under contract for next season. Their depth is unmatched. Fans know Presti wants to keep spending down, but he would rather add one premium prospect instead of multiple players.
Nobody has a better eye for talent than the Thunder. Once those players get to OKC, they have an unmatched development system. Ajay Mitchell is going from second-round draft pick to 20-point per game scorer in the playoffs. Presti has hit on picks from anywhere. Fans know he’d love to take his shot on the player he believes in most in the top ten.
The Thunder traded up from 12th to tenth in 2023 to take Cason Wallace. The deal was with the Mavericks, who sit ninth in 2026. The pair could link up again, but Presti will be looking to climb as high as possible by offering his two first round picks.
Thunder could trade for a top 10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
The Thunder got the 12th pick from the Clippers in the Paul George trade and the 17th overall selection from the 76ers for taking on Al Horford. LA's struggles make it a lottery pick for Oklahoma City. Presti is benefiting from work he did years ago. Fans know he’s not done making moves and trying to put OKC in the best possible position now and moving forward.
There will be no shortage of options. The Hawks traded back last year and sit eighth. Dallas is light on future draft capital and may jump at the shot to add two picks in 2026 to build around Cooper Flagg. Brooklyn fell three spots in the lottery and may make a bold trade if the right deal comes along. Those are all avenues Presti will explore.
Some team will let OKC move up. They know the draft is an inexact science and would love to take multiple bites at the apple. The Thunder don’t have the roster space for two rookies. They also have the 37th pick that may be thrown in as a sweetener or use for a two-way contract. Oklahoma City needs to move up, and someone will be glad to move back to get the additional assets.
As always, Sam Presti and the Thunder are in an advantageous position. They will have to pay to move into the top ten, but OKC has the assets. Their roster is already the most talented in the NBA. It is all about adding the right pieces now. Giving Presti a top ten pick likely results in him finding another star.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the perfect position to get a top-ten pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. It is all about finding the right trade. Fans know Sam Presti is a master at that. Expect a draft night deal that sees OKC move up and take another impact prospect. That is what the Thunder do.
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