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The OKC Thunder is focused on winning a second straight championship, but it'll have something else to keep an eye on this weekend.
The NBA draft lottery is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT Sunday (ABC). OKC will have one pick in the lottery (via the Los Angeles Clippers) in addition to the No. 17 pick (via Philadelphia) and the No. 37 pick (via Dallas).
The results of the lottery will officially set the stage for the 2026 NBA Draft. The two-day event will unfold from June 23-24.
Here's everything you need to know about OKC entering the lottery, from pick odds to potential draft targets depending on where they land:
More: Meet the OKC Thunder fans handing out 3D-printed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoes
OKC owns two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. They originally belonged to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
OKC acquired Philadelphia's 2025 first-round pick when it traded Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green and Vincent Poirier in November 2020. It received that pick along with Al Horford, the No. 34 overall pick in the 2020 draft (Theo Maledon) and the draft rights to Vasilije Micic. The pick did not convey in 2025, but it will this season after being top-four protected.
The Thunder also gained the right to swap picks with the Clippers thanks to a 2019 deal between the two teams. OKC traded Paul George in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps.
OKC also owns Dallas' second-round pick, which will be No. 37.
More: Sam Presti, OKC Thunder secure lottery pick in 2026 NBA Draft thanks to Clippers
OKC's pick that originally belonged to Philadelphia will be No. 17.
The Thunder also owns the Clippers' first-round pick, which has the 12th-best odds. The exact order will be decided during the NBA lottery. Here's a list of odds for that pick:
More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 'unfinished product' mindset fuels OKC Thunder powerhouse
OKC is the reigning NBA champ, and it's the favorite to win a second straight title. So, unlike other lottery teams, the Thunder doesn't have any real weaknesses that it needs to address in the draft.
OKC doesn't have any open roster spots at the moment either. It has 15 players on standard contracts and three on two-way contracts.
Of course, that could change by the summer. Two-way spots are fluid, and standard spots can be freed up via trades. The Thunder also has team options on Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5 million), Lu Dort ($18.2 million) and Kenrich Williams ($7.2 million), so some could open up if those players don't re-sign.
But the point is that OKC likely won't bring in a large draft class, even though it has three total picks. Roster spots are limited, and so are minutes on a contending team that has the NBA's deepest bench. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Thunder either packaged picks to move up or traded some for future picks, like it has done in recent drafts.
In terms of draft strategy, OKC could certainly select a high-ceiling player if one falls to them, like when Nikola Topić fell to No. 12 in 2024. But it would also make sense for the Thunder to target high-floor players who can contribute right away like Cason Wallace (No. 10 in 2023) and Ajay Mitchell (No. 38 in 2024).
More: Why OKC Thunder's Cason Wallace deserves respect with All-Defensive team nod
Here are some potential targets for OKC in the 2026 NBA Draft, depending on where its picks land:
Picture this: OKC wins a second straight championship. Gilgeous-Alexander gets a second straight regular-season and Finals MVP. And then the Thunder lands a top-four pick via the Clippers.
That's the stuff of dreams for OKC fans and an absolute nightmare for everyone else in the league. But if it does happen, the Thunder would likely go with the best talent available. In my opinion, the top four prospects in order are BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, Duke's Cameron Boozer and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson.
OKC is all about optionality and versatility. No prospect fits that better than Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward who can handle the ball and create for himself. He also boasts a strong motor and is a physical defender, making him a great fit.
Peterson would be the next-best prospect. He's a gifted bucket getter with great positional size and athleticism, giving him star potential. And while he does have injury concerns, that didn't deterred OKC from selecting guys such as Topić and Thomas Sorber in recent drafts.
Boozer doesn't have the best size for a big man at 6-9, and he also isn't very athletic. But he's still a high-motor player with great strength, which allows him to dominate on the boards. And he's a capable shooter and passer, making there more to his game than just brute force.
Then there's Wilson, who has all of the physical tools to be a two-way threat at the next level. He's a 6-10 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, mobility and athleticism. His shooting will have to improve after going 25.9% from deep on 1.1 attempts per game as a freshman, but there's some room for optimism based on his form and confidence.
More: How OKC Thunder rookie Thomas Sorber became 'one of the guys' despite ACL injury
The more likely scenario is that the Thunder lands a pick near the end of the lottery via the Clippers. And there are still plenty of intriguing prospects in that range.
Washington's Hannes Steinbach is a 6-11 center who averaged 11.8 rebounds (4.2 offensive boards) per game as a freshman. He's also an efficient scorer around the rim with upside as an outside shooter. There's potential for him to become a future frontcourt partner for Chet Holmgren, although he'll have to become a more switchable defender.
Michigan's Aday Mara could also become that guy at some point. He's a 7-3 center who averaged 2.6 blocks as a junior, and he's very skilled. He has a great feel for the game and a knack for making smart passes.
Mara's Michigan teammate, Yaxel Lendeborg, is also worth taking a look at. He's a big wing at 6-9, which is something the Thunder doesn't have. He's also a switchable defender, and he hit 52.9% of his 3-pointers during his final 11 college games. We'll see if that shooting translates to the next level.
More: Chet Holmgren's path to NBA All-Star Game began with bold claim and channeled ambition
Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance would be an intriguing prospect in this range. The 6-10 forward is a dynamic defender with a dangerous blend of physicality and athleticism. And while there are injury concerns after he suffered a torn ACL, a fractured knee and a torn meniscus in January 2025, OKC has shown a willingness to be patient with its rookies' recoveries.
Baylor's Cameron Carr also has upside and athleticism. The 6-5 guard uses his 7-2 wingspan and vertical pop to throw it down at the rim, block shots and contribute on the glass. He could be a high-flying, 3-and-D piece for OKC.
And if OKC wants to go with a more plug-and-play prospect, Iowa's Bennett Stirtz could be an option. The 6-4 guard is an older player at 22, and he isn't nearly as explosive as Quaintance and Carr. But he'd be a good connecting piece who can knock down threes and make the right decision with the ball.
From Mitchell to Jaylin Williams (No. 34 in 2022) to Aaron Wiggins (No. 55 in 2021), the Thunder has had a lot of success with second-round selections.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor is a versatile forward who makes up for being 6-9 with his 7-1 wingspan, his physicality and his motor. The 22-year-old can immediately impact the game on defense, although he'll have to develop a more consistent outside shot if he wants to be a four in the NBA.
Shooting isn't a problem for Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic. The 6-8 forward went 48.7% from deep on 7.5 attempts as a junior last season. Whether he's catching and shooting, coming off of screens or running in transition, he's a constant threat to light it up.
And then there's Baylor's Tounde Yessoufou, a bruising guard at 6-5 with an incredible motor. He's a willing shooter, having attempted 5.3 3-pointers per game as a freshman, but he only shot 29.3%. If he can knock that shot down with more consistently at the next level while still being a strong point-of-attack defender, he could be a very Dort-like player.
More: Lu Dort may strike fear into OKC Thunder opponents, but he's a 'good dude' outside of NBA
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder pick odds, possible selections for 2026 NBA Draft Lottery
Continue reading...
The NBA draft lottery is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT Sunday (ABC). OKC will have one pick in the lottery (via the Los Angeles Clippers) in addition to the No. 17 pick (via Philadelphia) and the No. 37 pick (via Dallas).
The results of the lottery will officially set the stage for the 2026 NBA Draft. The two-day event will unfold from June 23-24.
Here's everything you need to know about OKC entering the lottery, from pick odds to potential draft targets depending on where they land:
More: Meet the OKC Thunder fans handing out 3D-printed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoes
What picks do OKC Thunder have in 2026 NBA Draft?
OKC owns two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. They originally belonged to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
OKC acquired Philadelphia's 2025 first-round pick when it traded Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green and Vincent Poirier in November 2020. It received that pick along with Al Horford, the No. 34 overall pick in the 2020 draft (Theo Maledon) and the draft rights to Vasilije Micic. The pick did not convey in 2025, but it will this season after being top-four protected.
The Thunder also gained the right to swap picks with the Clippers thanks to a 2019 deal between the two teams. OKC traded Paul George in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps.
OKC also owns Dallas' second-round pick, which will be No. 37.
More: Sam Presti, OKC Thunder secure lottery pick in 2026 NBA Draft thanks to Clippers
What are OKC Thunder pick odds for 2026 NBA Draft?
OKC's pick that originally belonged to Philadelphia will be No. 17.
The Thunder also owns the Clippers' first-round pick, which has the 12th-best odds. The exact order will be decided during the NBA lottery. Here's a list of odds for that pick:
- No. 1: 1.5%
- No. 2: 1.66%
- No. 3: 1.85%
- No. 4: 2.1%
- No. 12: 86.11%
- No. 13: 6.7%
- No. 14: 0.07%
More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 'unfinished product' mindset fuels OKC Thunder powerhouse
What should OKC Thunder do in 2026 NBA Draft?
OKC is the reigning NBA champ, and it's the favorite to win a second straight title. So, unlike other lottery teams, the Thunder doesn't have any real weaknesses that it needs to address in the draft.
OKC doesn't have any open roster spots at the moment either. It has 15 players on standard contracts and three on two-way contracts.
Of course, that could change by the summer. Two-way spots are fluid, and standard spots can be freed up via trades. The Thunder also has team options on Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5 million), Lu Dort ($18.2 million) and Kenrich Williams ($7.2 million), so some could open up if those players don't re-sign.
But the point is that OKC likely won't bring in a large draft class, even though it has three total picks. Roster spots are limited, and so are minutes on a contending team that has the NBA's deepest bench. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Thunder either packaged picks to move up or traded some for future picks, like it has done in recent drafts.
In terms of draft strategy, OKC could certainly select a high-ceiling player if one falls to them, like when Nikola Topić fell to No. 12 in 2024. But it would also make sense for the Thunder to target high-floor players who can contribute right away like Cason Wallace (No. 10 in 2023) and Ajay Mitchell (No. 38 in 2024).
More: Why OKC Thunder's Cason Wallace deserves respect with All-Defensive team nod
OKC Thunder targets for 2026 NBA Draft
Here are some potential targets for OKC in the 2026 NBA Draft, depending on where its picks land:
If OKC gets a top-four pick (via LA Clippers)
Picture this: OKC wins a second straight championship. Gilgeous-Alexander gets a second straight regular-season and Finals MVP. And then the Thunder lands a top-four pick via the Clippers.
That's the stuff of dreams for OKC fans and an absolute nightmare for everyone else in the league. But if it does happen, the Thunder would likely go with the best talent available. In my opinion, the top four prospects in order are BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, Duke's Cameron Boozer and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson.
OKC is all about optionality and versatility. No prospect fits that better than Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward who can handle the ball and create for himself. He also boasts a strong motor and is a physical defender, making him a great fit.
Peterson would be the next-best prospect. He's a gifted bucket getter with great positional size and athleticism, giving him star potential. And while he does have injury concerns, that didn't deterred OKC from selecting guys such as Topić and Thomas Sorber in recent drafts.
Boozer doesn't have the best size for a big man at 6-9, and he also isn't very athletic. But he's still a high-motor player with great strength, which allows him to dominate on the boards. And he's a capable shooter and passer, making there more to his game than just brute force.
Then there's Wilson, who has all of the physical tools to be a two-way threat at the next level. He's a 6-10 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, mobility and athleticism. His shooting will have to improve after going 25.9% from deep on 1.1 attempts per game as a freshman, but there's some room for optimism based on his form and confidence.
More: How OKC Thunder rookie Thomas Sorber became 'one of the guys' despite ACL injury
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If OKC gets a pick in No. 12-14 range (via LA Clippers)
The more likely scenario is that the Thunder lands a pick near the end of the lottery via the Clippers. And there are still plenty of intriguing prospects in that range.
Washington's Hannes Steinbach is a 6-11 center who averaged 11.8 rebounds (4.2 offensive boards) per game as a freshman. He's also an efficient scorer around the rim with upside as an outside shooter. There's potential for him to become a future frontcourt partner for Chet Holmgren, although he'll have to become a more switchable defender.
Michigan's Aday Mara could also become that guy at some point. He's a 7-3 center who averaged 2.6 blocks as a junior, and he's very skilled. He has a great feel for the game and a knack for making smart passes.
Mara's Michigan teammate, Yaxel Lendeborg, is also worth taking a look at. He's a big wing at 6-9, which is something the Thunder doesn't have. He's also a switchable defender, and he hit 52.9% of his 3-pointers during his final 11 college games. We'll see if that shooting translates to the next level.
More: Chet Holmgren's path to NBA All-Star Game began with bold claim and channeled ambition
No. 17 pick (via Philadelphia)
Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance would be an intriguing prospect in this range. The 6-10 forward is a dynamic defender with a dangerous blend of physicality and athleticism. And while there are injury concerns after he suffered a torn ACL, a fractured knee and a torn meniscus in January 2025, OKC has shown a willingness to be patient with its rookies' recoveries.
Baylor's Cameron Carr also has upside and athleticism. The 6-5 guard uses his 7-2 wingspan and vertical pop to throw it down at the rim, block shots and contribute on the glass. He could be a high-flying, 3-and-D piece for OKC.
And if OKC wants to go with a more plug-and-play prospect, Iowa's Bennett Stirtz could be an option. The 6-4 guard is an older player at 22, and he isn't nearly as explosive as Quaintance and Carr. But he'd be a good connecting piece who can knock down threes and make the right decision with the ball.
No. 37 pick (via Dallas)
From Mitchell to Jaylin Williams (No. 34 in 2022) to Aaron Wiggins (No. 55 in 2021), the Thunder has had a lot of success with second-round selections.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor is a versatile forward who makes up for being 6-9 with his 7-1 wingspan, his physicality and his motor. The 22-year-old can immediately impact the game on defense, although he'll have to develop a more consistent outside shot if he wants to be a four in the NBA.
Shooting isn't a problem for Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic. The 6-8 forward went 48.7% from deep on 7.5 attempts as a junior last season. Whether he's catching and shooting, coming off of screens or running in transition, he's a constant threat to light it up.
And then there's Baylor's Tounde Yessoufou, a bruising guard at 6-5 with an incredible motor. He's a willing shooter, having attempted 5.3 3-pointers per game as a freshman, but he only shot 29.3%. If he can knock that shot down with more consistently at the next level while still being a strong point-of-attack defender, he could be a very Dort-like player.
More: Lu Dort may strike fear into OKC Thunder opponents, but he's a 'good dude' outside of NBA
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder pick odds, possible selections for 2026 NBA Draft Lottery
Continue reading...
