The Oklahoma City Thunder currently have three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft — No. 12, 17, and 37 — but that probably will change between now and Tuesday. Sam Presti is trying to work his magic behind the scenes, but even he might not be able to do what Marc J. Spears said on ESPN that he's heard from other executives: vaulting into the top-10.
"I keep hearing from several NBA executives that the Thunder are trying to move up, not just the two first-round picks, but the second-round pick, into the top 10. Who wants to give up a player in this draft in the top-10? Good luck, Sam."
Sean Farmhan, a college basketball analyst for ESPN, said that at the draft combine, Presti had his eye on Morez Johnson Jr., who could be off the board before OKC is on the clock at No. 12. The six-foot-nine forward out of Michigan would give the Thunder's frontcourt the boost they're looking for.
Johnson impressed at the combine and during individual workouts for teams, including OKC. He's garnered more attention to the point where it wouldn't be surprising to hear his name called in the top-10 on Tuesday.
Thunder are trying to trade up into the top-10
As Spears said, there is a lot of talent in this year's draft, making it even harder to trade up to get inside the top-10, though not impossible. It's essentially a given that the Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, and Bulls are staying put, but from picks 5-10, maybe Presti could work something out.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported in his latest mock draft that the Hawks, who have the No. 8 pick from their trade last summer with the Pelicans, are "discussing both trade-up and trade-down scenarios," which plays to OKC's advantage. He added that Atlanta could remain where it is (subscription required), and take the player of its choice. It is probably safe to assume that Presti has already connected with them.
It's scary enough for the rest of the league that the Thunder have another lottery pick, even though it sits in the back half. Oklahoma City is loaded with young talent as is, so if Presti can sneak his way into a higher pick, the team's chances of having another future star on its hands would jump up.
After losing to the Spurs in the conference finals, the Thunder know what they need to do to go head-to-head with Victor Wembanyama. Johnson would give them more size to do just that, giving them another versatile defender.
If there is an executive who can find a way to trade into the top 10, it's Presti. Let's see if OKC will do just that in the coming days. Regardless, don't expect the Thunder to keep all three picks, especially their two first-rounders.
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