Fresh off another deep playoff run, the Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2026 NBA Draft looking to strengthen an already championship-caliber roster. Rather than drafting solely for immediate impact, General Manager Sam Presti once again focused on adding long-term talent that addresses future needs while fitting the organization’s player-development philosophy.
From adding size in the frontcourt to finding another secondary ball handler and a defensive-minded wing, here’s a closer look at each of Oklahoma City’s draft night additions and how they fit into the Thunder’s future.
Thunder Select Aday Mara at No. 12
Standing at 7-foot-3, Aday Mara gives the Thunder a different type of frontcourt player than they’ve traditionally developed. While Chet Holmgren thrives with his mobility and perimeter skills, Mara offers a more traditional interior presence capable of protecting the rim, controlling the glass, and making life difficult around the basket. Mara averaged 2.5 blocks per game during his Junior season at Michigan.
What separates Mara from centers of his size is his passing ability. He’s comfortable facilitating from the high post and has shown impressive decision-making ability, traits that should fit well into Oklahoma City’s offense.
There will be an adjustment period as he continues to improve his mobility and his jump shooting, but the Thunder have never been in a rush with their young players. Mara joins an environment that should maximize his development without placing immediate pressure on him to contribute. Will Oklahoma City do a new version of their double big lineups with Mara and 2025 NBA Draft pick Thomas Sorber?
OKC Makes Draft Day Trade for Bennett Stirtz
Oklahoma City’s decision to trade up for Bennett Stirtz may have been influenced by one of its biggest weaknesses during the Western Conference Finals.
Against San Antonio, the Thunder struggled at times when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to shoulder nearly all of the facilitating responsibilities. Injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell limited Oklahoma City’s ability to consistently make plays happen, allowing the Spurs to load up defensively against the league’s MVP. The series showed how quickly the Thunder’s offense can become stagnant when another reliable ball handler isn’t available.
Stirtz gives Oklahoma City another player capable of helping solve that problem. He can establish himself as a poised floor general who can score, facilitate, and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Whether initiating the offense or playing alongside another creator.
With SGA, JDub, and Ajay expected to be healthy entering next season, Stirtz won’t be asked to make an immediate impact. Instead, he’ll have time to develop while providing Oklahoma City with another capable ball handler.
Oklahoma City Makes Round 2 Trade for Otega Oweh
Oklahoma City’s final selection may prove to be one of the more intriguing value picks of the draft.
After his senior season at Kentucky with 18.6 points per game and 1.8 steals, Otega Oweh enters the NBA as an explosive two way wing where his greatest strengths come on the defensive end and in transition. He plays with relentless energy, attacks the basket with confidence, and embraces physical matchups on the perimeter.
Those traits are similar to those of successful Thunder role players over the past couple of seasons.
With a veteran heavy rotation already in place, the Thunder won’t have NBA minutes available for Oweh early on. Instead, he will probably find his way learning through game time for the G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.
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