Thunder Could Make Big Offseason Trade

After losing in the draft lottery, the Nets want more capital in a loaded class. The Thunder do not have a lottery pick, falling just outside at No. 15. In a class loaded with talent, that pick might as well be a lottery selection. There will be players who will fall because teams are looking at fit rather than talent. An example is Noa Essengue, who is projected to go to the Thunder at 15th overall.

The Thunder also need to clear roster space to add a player in this year’s draft. If they do not plan on taking Jaylin Williams’ team option, which they are more than likely to do, they will have 15 players on the roster. A trade would clear up space to use Oklahoma City’s 24th overall pick.

What Would a Johnson Trade Look Like?

No matter what, in a trade for Johnson, you have to include the 15th overall pick this year. That is the one thing the Nets would want. Next would be a pick in next year’s draft. The best pick to trade would be their own in 2026. After a 68-win season, the Thunder will stay around that win total. They are only getting better with age and are adding Nikola Topić to the roster. The Sixers’ pick can still be in the lottery or middle of the first round. The Jazz’s pick will more than likely not convey.

The final and tricky part is matching salary. Johnson will be making $20 million in the 2025-2026 season. The salary cap set to increase by 10% gives the Thunder breathing room. All you have to do if you are Sam Presti is to get as close to $20 million as possible. The first piece would be Isaiah Joe. His time in Loud City is dwindling with his playoff struggles and decrease in minutes. His $12 million-a-year contract also covers half of what the Thunder need.

The next player to be traded is Kenrich Williams. He has played some crucial minutes in the Western Conference Finals but is getting older. Making $7 million next season, this brings the total up to $19 million. This brings the total as close to $20 million as you can while keeping key players.

Will the Thunder Make This Trade?

There is no telling what Presti has up his sleeve. He could make this move even if the Thunder win the championship, or he could decide not to make any trade. The deal is there, though, and the Thunder could pounce on it if given the chance. The only thing it comes down to is whether Presti wants to break up this Thunder squad with an offseason trade.