Thunder Have More Draft Capital Coming Courtesy of the Clippers

Anytime the Oklahoma City Thunder play the LA Clippers, it's hard not to immediately think of the infamous Paul George for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a treasure trove of picks trade.

After all, it basically delivered the first NBA Championship in Thunder franchise history. In addition to the back to back MVP, OKC ended up receiving All-NBA selection Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer and Aday Mara as far as players still on the current roster. It's the gift that keeps on giving, as Oklahoma City also own the San Antonio Spurs 2027 1st Round pick (top 16 protected).

While the much discussed trade will finally be settled once and for all next June, there is another Thunder and Clippers trade that will be resolved at the 2027 NBA Draft. And this particular pick will be of far more interest to OKC fans than the one the team will be getting via the Spurs.

Three years ago and a handful of days ago, the Clippers wanted to acquire superstar James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. But being pick poor, Los Angeles ironically looked to the Thunder for assistance. Oklahoma City facilitated the trade by sending the worst of their multiple 2026 1st round draft picks to the 76ers. In exchange, the Thunder received the rights to swap with the Clippers for their unprotected 2027 1st round pick.

OKC actually owns a super swap in 2027. The Thunder have the rights to the two most favorable picks between their own pick, the Clippers pick and the Denver Nuggets pick (top 5 protected).

If you take a quick peak at the Clippers' current record, the NBA standings and/or Tankathon.com, you'll quickly notice why that swap is exciting for Thunder fans. The Clippers have the fourth worst record in the league at the moment. That is the sweet spot for OKC with the newly reformed draft lottery odds.

Teams finishing between 4-10 have the highest chances to end up with a top draft pick. So Thunder fans are rooting for the Clippers to lose a lot this season, just not quite as much as teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings. There's a good possibility that OKC ends up with a top 10 pick in next year's draft. Not to raise expectations, but a top 3 pick is certainly in play.

The Thunder face off against the Clippers in what OKC fans are hoping will be a bounce back road win on Friday night. But no matter the outcome on this November night, the Thunder have a couple more wins coming from the Clippers next June.