Before the 2024-25 NBA season began, many experts predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder would emerge as a Western Conference powerhouse. So far, the Thunder have lived up to those expectations. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the East. Ironically, the Sixers’ struggles still benefit the Thunder. Philadelphia’s decision to offload Al Horford four years ago cost them a crucial 2025 draft pick. That pick could fall in Oklahoma City’s favor. In fact, the thunder could leverage that misfortune to land Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.
Bank of Sam Presti Could Land Cooper Flagg for the OKC Thunder
The Paul George trade from 2019 remains a masterpiece by Thunder GM Sam Presti. That deal brought back Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a treasure chest of draft picks. SGA has since blossomed into a potential MVP, while Jalen Williams, selected with one of those picks, became an All-Star for the first time this season.
Today, that trade still shapes the Thunder’s future. One of the last remaining assets—the 2025 pick swap—could deliver Presti another golden opportunity.
Sixers’ Poor Start Improves Thunder’s Draft Outlook
The 76ers currently sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With a 23-45 record, Philadelphia is dangerously close to handing the Thunder a high lottery pick.
The pick is top-six protected, meaning Philadelphia keeps it if it lands between picks one and six. Otherwise, the Thunder gain a lottery pick, potentially as high as seventh.
For OKC, this creates a rare situation. They could dominate the West while adding a lottery pick in the same summer. Few contending teams ever get this kind of draft flexibility. Philadelphia’s disastrous season puts the Thunder in position to capitalize. If the 76ers don’t improve, Presti could use that pick as the cornerstone of a blockbuster trade.
Thunder Loaded with Draft Capital Beyond 2025
Oklahoma City enters the 2025 draft with multiple first-round picks. Their arsenal includes a pick from Miami, although protections could delay it until 2026. They also own a pick swap involving the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.
The Rockets sit near the top of the West, lessening that pick’s appeal. However, the Clippers could finish mid-pack, giving OKC another top-20 selection.
Presti’s war chest doesn’t stop there. He owns future picks from the Jazz, Nuggets, Clippers, and Mavericks. Some of these picks extend as far as 2029.
A particularly intriguing asset is the 2027 swap with the Clippers. By then, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will likely be declining or gone. That pick could become highly valuable.
Cooper Flagg Could Be the Ultimate Target
All this draft capital gives Presti tremendous flexibility. He could push his chips in and make a move for Flagg. Flagg is a 6’9” forward with elite scoring, defense, and maturity. His skill set fits perfectly with OKC’s fast-paced, switch-heavy system under Mark Daigneault. Flagg could immediately slide in as the Thunder’s fourth option or even grow to be the second option behind SGA. His offensive versatility and defensive instincts make him an ideal fit.
If the 76ers’ pick lands around seventh, Presti could package it with several other picks. The Thunder could approach the Hornets or another lottery team holding the number one pick. A trade package of five or six first-rounders might convince a rebuilding team like the Charlotte Hornets. From the Hornets perspective, they could agree to this deal for several reasons. The team could get several prospects instead of just one in Flagg. The team could use some of that draft capital in a trade to fast track the team’s competitiveness also. In return, OKC secures Flagg—a player who could turn this contender into a lasting dynasty.
Flagg Could Extend OKC’s Championship Window
Drafting Flagg would be a masterstroke. Cooper Flagg gives the thunder a rookie-scale contract player with star upside. This helps the Thunder manage their payroll while keeping their title window wide open.
SGA is entering his prime, while Chet Holmgren and Williams continue to improve. Adding Flagg to that core makes the Thunder even more dangerous. Flagg could fill the long-term gap as OKC’s second star. The Thunder avoid overspending in free agency and maintain roster flexibility.
Presti’s patient asset accumulation could culminate in the Thunder drafting Flagg. If successful, the Thunder set themselves up for a decade of dominance.
Sam Presti’s Long Game Could Pay Off Big
The “Bank of Sam Presti” is open for business. Thanks to savvy trades and careful planning, the Thunder are primed for sustained success.
The Sixers’ 2025 pick could be the key to landing Flagg. If Presti pulls it off, the Thunder’s dynasty could be the next all-time great, potentially reaching the heights of Michael Jordan’s Bulls or Stephen Curry’s Warriors dynasty.
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