Thunder's 2026 draft haul shifts dramatically. Discover how deadline deals reshaped OKC's potential first-round picks from contenders to lottery dreams.
The NBA trade deadline resulted in a definite net positive for the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2026 NBA Draft class.
Prior to any deadline deals, OKC owned a possible four 1st round picks in the 2026 draft. Just as a recap, those picks included the Utah Jazz (top 8 protected), the Philadelphia 76ers (top 4 protected) and the two most favorable of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets (top 4 protected) and the Thunder.
Let's do a run down on each pick, how the NBA trade deadline affected them and their new updated statuses. For the purposes of this exercise, we will assume OKC will not be receiving their own pick in the "two most favorable" scenario.
Utah Jazz 1st rounder (top 8 protected). The trade deadline actually provided some temporary hope that this pick would convey to Oklahoma City. The Jazz dealt for former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. as well as some decent role players. The idea of Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Jackson Jr. playing together down the stretch opened up the possibility of a play-in push for Utah. That thought lasted about five seconds. The Jazz took their tanking shenanigans to another level and sat their stars in second halves of close games and Jackson Jr. had season ending knee surgery. It remains feasible the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies could out tank the Jazz down the stretch and Utah ends up #8 in lottery odds. That best case scenario would give OKC about a 39.2% chance of receiving this pick.
Los Angeles Clippers 1st rounder (unprotected). The most impactful moves for the Thunder 2026 draft class were made by the Clippers. Before the deadline, LA was one of the hottest teams in the league. Given their trajectory, it was possible OKC's pick could've ended up around the #20 spot. Then the Clippers traded away James Harden and Ivica Zubac. While there are too many tanking teams below them in the standings to give this pick top 8 upside, it's hard to imagine Kawhi Leonard carrying this squad to the playoffs. Any lottery pick in this deep and talented class is a big one for OKC.
Philadelphia 76ers 1st rounder (top 4 protected). The general consensus going into the deadline was that the 76ers would be buyers. Joel Embiid has been surprisingly healthy and dominant, Tyrese Maxey was taken another superstar leap and V. J. Edgecombe has been one of the league's best rookies. Instead, Philadelphia got a bit worse instead of a bit better at the deadline. (See below for more details). This pick is presently #18 and Paul George is suspended for the majority of the remaining schedule. Their trade deadline not only capped their ceiling but cracked open the door for OKC possibly landing another late lottery pick.
Houston Rockets 1st rounder (top 4 protected). OKC traded this pick to the 76ers for young sharpshooter Jared McCain. This pick is currently slated at #24 and will likely end up in that range. Given his proven NBA talent and upside, securing McCain with this pick already has OKC's 2026 draft class off to a splendid start.