The Oklahoma City Thunder will likely get the Philadelphia 76ers' first-round draft pick in 2026 from the Al Horford trade in 2020. The Thunder picked up a 2020 second-round selection in Theo Maledon, the draft rights to Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 first as Philly looked to dump Horford. He did not fit with Embiid, and the rebuilding Thunder were happy to add the four-time All-Star. OKC rehabbed his value in one year before shipping him to Boston for two more draft picks.
Sam Presti is always looking for value. He knows the Thunder will need their draft capital as their roster gets expensive. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all got max contracts this offseason. Holmgren is their number three, but is not leaving Oklahoma City. The bill is coming due, and Presti is ready. The two Al Horford trades continue to improve their position.
Philly nearly gave away a lottery pick in 2025 before jumping into the top three. The Sixers owe their 2026 first to OKC with a top-four protection. They may be back in the lottery, but would have to move into the top four for the second straight year to keep their selection. That feels unlikely and will only give Thunder fans more reason to laugh.
Thunder fans are dying laughing at the Al Horford trade
The defending champions got the pick that turned into Alperen Sengun from Boston in the second Horford trade. The Thunder’s top decision-maker is always churning his draft capital, but he isn’t letting this Sixers selection get away. Joel Embiid and Paul George are major injury risks on max contracts. They are both currently sidelined, and injuries look ready to derail the entire season in Philly. The Thunder could be picking fifth in 2026 as they celebrate a second straight championship.
Oklahoma City had no business acquiring a 34-year-old Al Horford, but Philadelphia wanted to dump his contract. The Sixers signed him to a four-year $109 million deal in free agency, but quickly found it to be a problematic fit. Presti saw a chance to land a premium draft pick and took it. He has waited years, but the rewards will be sweet.
The Thunder flipped Horford for more draft capital one year later. He went on to play a key role in the Celtics' defeating the Sixers in the second round of the 2023 playoffs and helping them win the title in 2024. This signing was disastrous for Philly and will only get worse when they hand over a top-ten draft pick next summer.
Nobody is rooting for injuries, but the 76ers’ problems are self-created. They knew about Paul George's injury history when he signed and extended Embiid while sidelined. Philadelphia took massive gambles on both players, and they are quickly going bust.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be the primary beneficiary. Expect them to collect a high lottery pick and add another young difference-maker on a rookie contract. It will go down as another genius move by Sam Presti and give fans plenty of reason to laugh at the Sixers' debacle. Daryl Morey can consider that payback after stealing James Harden during the Thunder’s first Big 3 days.