The 2025 NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, somehow managed to improve this season. A year after winning OKC’s first title, the group followed it up with a dominant regular season, led by back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and DPOY runner-up Chet Holmgren.
OKC appeared ready for another trip to the NBA Finals, but the title defense came to an end in a heartbreaking seven-game series against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Despite the finish, Oklahoma City’s young core remains in championship contention, and with three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, the front office has another chance to strengthen and retool this elite roster.
The Thunder have three first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft…and three in the 2027 NBA Draft. With an already-loaded roster, there’s not enough room for every pick over the next two years to get a spot on the team, so consolidation trades are very much in play for the Thunder.
Thunder’s Draft Picks:
- Round 1 — No. 12 (via Los Angeles Clippers)
- Round 1 — No. 17 (via Philadelphia 76ers)
- Round 2 — No. 37 (via Dallas Mavericks)
Thunder Draft Needs:
Oklahoma City doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses; however, there are still some areas for improvement.
Depth in the front court remains the biggest question. Holmgren is elite defensively, but OKC still lacks size against some of the Western Conference’s bigger teams. Isaiah Hartenstein also has a $28.5 million team option. Luguentz Dort also has a team option, his for just shy of $18 million. There were times in the Western Conference Finals when he played himself off the floor, putting his future in OKC in serious jeopardy.
Thunder Draft Targets”
Aday Mara — C — Michigan
Aday Mara could be an intriguing option for Oklahoma City if the Thunder want to add more size and interior skill to the frontcourt.
At 7-foot-3, Mara is one of the most unique big men in the 2026 class. The former UCLA transfer broke out at Michigan due to his combination of rim protection, rebounding, soft touch around the basket, and advanced playmaking feel for a player his size. Scouts have consistently praised his offensive instincts and his ability to facilitate from the post or on short rolls.
Defensively, Mara’s height alone changes shots around the rim, and he has shown the ability to anchor a defense. Oklahoma City already has one of the NBA’s best defensive systems, which could help work on some of Mara’s current weaknesses, particularly his mobility against quicker players in space. Conditioning, strength, and perimeter defense remain the biggest issues surrounding Mara.
Still, the Thunder are one of the few teams in the league that could afford to be patient with his development. If Mara reaches his ceiling, Oklahoma City could end up adding a highly skilled rotational center with true size and defensive ability to an already-stacked roster.
Yaxel Lendeborg – PF/SF — Michigan
If there is an example of a “perfect prospect” for Oklahoma City, Lendeborg is it.
The versatile forward makes an impact on the floor in every area. He rebounds at a high level, can defend multiple positions, and consistently makes the smart play with the ball in his hands. Oklahoma City has built its roster around players with positional versatility and high basketball IQ, and Lendeborg checks both boxes.
Offensively, he would fit naturally alongside stars like SGA and J-Dub. His energy, toughness and willingness to do the dirty work feels like a match made in heaven for the Thunder’s culture.
Morez Johnson Jr – C/PF — Michigan
Johnson possibly gives the Thunder more explosiveness and rim protection in the frontcourt. He could pair nicely with 2025 No. 15 selection, Thomas Sorber.
At 250 pounds with elite explosiveness, Johnson rebounds and protects the rim at a high level while also playing with nonstop energy. His combine performances significantly improved his draft stock.
He would not need touches immediately on the offensive side in Oklahoma City, which makes it an ideal situation for him. The Thunder could easily ask him to rebound, defend, and run the floor while he develops offensively.
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