{"id":197448,"date":"2026-05-26T08:59:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T12:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=197448"},"modified":"2026-05-26T08:59:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T12:59:19","slug":"thunder-looking-to-trade-2026-1st-round","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/26\/thunder-looking-to-trade-2026-1st-round\/","title":{"rendered":"Thunder Looking To Move Off Of No. 12 and No. 17 Picks in June’s Draft, Could They Take A Big Swing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Thunder Looking To Trade 2026 First Round Picks<\/h2>\n

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<\/a> for a second straight game, due to a right soleus strain, and Jalen Williams<\/a> is questionable as a result of his hamstring strain.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Thunder’s Upcoming Decisions<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> extensions kicking in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> will also make $40 million in 2026-27.<\/p>\n

The Thunder’s biggest decisions figure to surround Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> and Lu Dort.<\/a> 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<\/a> also has a team option at $7.16 million.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> is likely to get a new contract with an increase from his nonguaranteed $2.85 million salary this coming season.<\/p>\n

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,\u00a0 they would still have Jaylin Williams<\/a> and Thomas Sorber<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Also, OKC has three valuable draft picks in 2026<\/a>. The Thunder owns two first-round picks, the No. 12 and No. 17 selections,\u00a0 and the seventh pick in the second round.<\/p>\n

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Due to OKC’s Financial Situation, the Thunder is looking to trade out of the No. 12 Spot.<\/h3>\n