The Oklahoma City Thunder just traded Lu Dort in a move that was largely financially motivated. They wanted to duck under the second apron, and trading Dort helped them do that. But in the deal, they landed a second-round pick that could help them draft their next version of Ajay Mitchell: A second-round steal who helps them compete while on a cheap contract.
OKC received three seconds in the deal: Two future seconds from the Hawks and a 2027 second from the Dallas Mavericks via the Chicago Bulls. It’s the Bulls’ second-rounder. Depending on where Chicago lands in the lottery, that pick should be toward the beginning of the second round.
Mitchell was the No. 38 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sam Presti has a history of making great picks, and if the Thunder get an early second next year, he could have a chance to do it once again.
Lu Dort trade landed the Thunder an early second-round pick in 2027
Dort was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade. Atlanta also got Ryan Nembhard in the dela. Zaccharie Risacher was sent to the Mavericks, and the Thunder got three second-round picks (and cap relief).
Obviously, OKC ducking the second apron was the primary focus of the deal, but Dallas sending out Chicago’s second-round pick in the deal is a noteworthy, under-the-radar piece of information.
With the NBA’s new draft lottery odds, anything can happen. Chicago could finish anywhere from first overall to 16th overall (barring an unforeseen playoff push next season).
However, in the second roud, the lottery will be flipped. So, if the Bulls get the first pick in the first round, they’ll get the 16th pick in the second round. Or actually, after the Dort trade, the Thunder will.
Throughout the course of his tenure in OKC, Presti has done a great job of capitalizing on his draft picks. He always seems to make the most out of everyone he selects.
From early picks like Chet Holmgren to mid-first-round picks like Jalen Williams to late-second-rounders like Aaron Wiggins. Presti always finds a way.
That Bulls pick will put the Thunder in prime Mitchell range. Right around the No. 38 pick, where they were able to snag Mitchell a couple of years ago.
Obviously, a lot would have to go right for the Thunder to use the Bulls’ pick to draft a guy as good as Mitchell, but anything is possible. The point is, now, they have a chance to make that type of selection. Thanks to the Dort trade.
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