Thunder Lose the Draft Lottery: What’s Next

The Thunder went into the draft lottery with a chance of having a lottery pick. They did not land a single pick in the top 14, the first time since 2020. Having this many lottery picks is usually the sign of a rebuilding team, but not the Thunder. They boasted a league-best 68-14 record. They also have the 15th and 24th overall picks in 2025. Now that the Thunder lost the draft lottery, there are three directions Sam Presti can go.

Thunder Lose the Draft Lottery: What’s Next

Option 1: Trade Up Into the Lottery

This is easier said than done. The majority of teams selecting in the top 14 are rebuilding and want a piece to build around or help build around an existing player. Still, teams like Houston and Philadelphia are trying to contend next season. This makes it so the Thunder have partners they can trade up to get a player they want.

Let’s say they trade up to 10th overall with the Rockets. This package could include both picks this year by Oklahoma City and a second-round pick. The Thunder would also have to include a player to make roster space for a rookie, as if they accept every team option, they would have 15 players on the roster. The most obvious choice is either Dillon Jones or Ousmane Dieng. Dieng is eligible for an extension soon, and has yet to prove much during his Thunder tenure. Jones is an older player for a rookie, 23 years old to be exact, and has not played much at all.

This is something worth looking into for Sam Presti. He could trade up to try to land a backup big man once Isaiah Hartenstein leaves the Thunder. They could land a player like Derik Queen or Khaman Maluach by trading up.

Option 2: Trading the Picks for an Existing Player

This seems like the most logical option, but not the easiest. The Thunder need help with three-point shooting, which was a weakness during this year’s postseason. With some teams willing to part ways with players, the Thunder have a golden opportunity to get someone who can help them out.

Cameron Johnson is the most obvious trade target. He is a career 39.2 percent three-point shooter and is entering his prime at the age of 28. Johnson can be plugged into the starting lineup or come off the bench as a sixth man. He also has size and length, which would be helpful for the contenders down south. It would just take a package, including Isaiah Joe, to get him, and he is a player most Thunder fans do not want to give up.

Another player to watch is Austin Reaves. It was reported that he could be traded this offseason, and the Thunder are among the favorites to land him. Coming off his best season, it would be a good move for the Thunder. Reaves is also on a very friendly deal, only making almost $14 million per year next season. He will have a similar contract in 2026, but on a player option. Overall, it would be a solid get for the Thunder.

Option 3: Use the Current Picks

Using the current picks is a route the Thunder can take; it just requires some extra steps. As mentioned earlier, no matter what, someone would have to be traded to bring on a rookie. The Thunder are already capped at 15 players on the roster next season. There are some players in this year’s draft, though the Thunder could use more than their current players.

Noa Essengue, a forward from Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, seems like a perfect fit at pick 15. His size at the forward position translates well into the NBA. The only thing that would need some help is refining his skills at the NBA level. He is also 18 years old, which shows he is still growing and can get even better.

At pick 24, they could target Essengue’s teammate, Ben Saraf. Saraf is also super young, turning 19 just a month ago. He also brings a good size at the guard position, standing at six feet and five inches tall. Now, he does have problems with turning the ball over 2.5 times per game at Ulm, but that can be fixed. Playing alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will help him become a better ball handler.

Final Verdict

No matter what, the Thunder will be looking to make a trade on draft night. Whether that is to move up, get a veteran player, or clear space for a rookie. In a class loaded with talent, the Thunder need to decide what to do after they lost in the draft lottery.