The Oklahoma City Thunder is the Elon Musk of the NBA. The Thunder, the defending World Champions, posted the best record in the Association this season and are on the verge of reaching the NBA Finals for the second straight season. They also have the league’s best and deepest roster, along with the most future draft capital.
Thunder Looking To Trade 2026 First Round Picks
OKC and the San Antonio Spurs are deadlocked in their 2026 Western Conference Finals matchup. However, the Thunder’s depth could take a big hit as they return home for Game 5. Thunder won’t have Ajay Mitchell for a second straight game, due to a right soleus strain, and Jalen Williams is questionable as a result of his hamstring strain.
While the Thunder are still focused on bringing home a second straight NBA title, general manager Sam Presti is already looking ahead to the offseason. Presti faces some critical decisions in the summer as the Thunder are well over the second apron.
Thunder’s Upcoming Decisions
OKC has 15 players under contract for next season, with salaries totaling slightly over $250 million. The Thunder have three players slated to make over $40 million next season, with Williams and Chet Holmgren’s extensions kicking in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will also make $40 million in 2026-27.
The Thunder’s biggest decisions figure to surround Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort. Hartenstein and Dort are integral to what the Thunder do, particularly defensively. But, both players hold team options and are extremely expensive, with Hartenstein slated to make $28.5 million while Dort is to make $18.2 million. Kenrich Williams also has a team option at $7.16 million.
Williams doesn’t figure to have his team option picked up. Hartenstein and Dort are tougher decisions. Granted, the Thunder could decide to run things back if they win a second straight NBA title.
If the Thunder don’t win the title, it will be interesting to see what the Thunder do. The Thunder could decline the options of Hartenstein and Dort, which would put them close to the first round. That is unlikely, as both players have value across the league. Additionally, Ajay Mitchell is likely to get a new contract with an increase from his nonguaranteed $2.85 million salary this coming season.
So, the more likely scenario is that the Thunder trade Hartenstein this offseason. The Thunder will likely look for future draft assets in any deal. If the Thunder do decide to move on from Hartenstein, they would still have Jaylin Williams and Thomas Sorber.
Also, OKC has three valuable draft picks in 2026. The Thunder owns two first-round picks, the No. 12 and No. 17 selections, and the seventh pick in the second round.
Due to OKC’s Financial Situation, the Thunder is looking to trade out of the No. 12 Spot.
Given OKC’s current roster and financial situation, it is likely the Thunder won’t keep all three draft picks, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
“League sources expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to be aggressive when it comes to trade talks regarding the No. 12 and No. 17 picks in this year’s draft, Siegel Said. “Given the franchise’s roster crunch and upcoming financial decisions with Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort, the overwhelming belief is that the Thunder will not be remaining in these spots.”
Early talk surrounding the Thunder (#12 & #17) from rival executives is that Sam Presti and OKC will be looking to move one of these top-20 picks for future draft assets. https://t.co/Y5YfPBSS2h
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) May 11, 2026
Siegel mentioned the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and San Antonio Spurs could be interested in trading up to No. 12. Those three teams reportedly have an interest in Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg. The Golden State Warriors, who own the No. 11 pick in June’s draft, also have shown interest in Lendeborg. The 6-9 forward has worked out for the Thunder recently.
If Lendeborg is not still available, that doesn’t mean that the Thunder trade window is closed. Obviously, someone could drop to No. 12 who wasn’t expected to, but with such a strong draft, there are plenty of intriguing prospects — Morez Johnson Jr., Cameron Carr, and Labaron Philon Jr. In addition to the three squads previously mentioned, Toronto, Chicago, and Portland may be interested in moving up, especially since the Thunder aren’t looking for a first-rounder this year in return.
“As of right now, the likeliest scenario involves the Thunder trading one of these picks for future draft compensation, something Sam Presti has done countless times through the years, Siegel continued. “However, two executives who spoke with ClutchPoints envision Presti attempting to use both picks, along with other assets, to try and trade up into the lottery, possibly as high as the top four, and pursue Cam Boozer.”
For OKC to get in a position to draft Boozer, they would have to trade into the top-3. Washington, Utah, and Memphis currently hold those spots. Each of those teams would likely jump at the chance to add an extra first-round pick, along with Hartenstein or Dort, and future draft compensation in exchange for moving down.
Photo credit: Daniel Dunn, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
