Why Thunder are Better Off Trading Their Draft Picks

In a draft class headlined by Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey, the Thunder could end up with many picks. This year, they own the Sixers’ top-six protected pick, Clippers or Rockets pick swap (take the better of the two), and Heat lottery-protected pick. They also have the Jazz pick, but that is top-10 protected, so it will more than likely not convert. With the chance of multiple rookies coming to the squad, they could use the picks. There are many reasons why Oklahoma City should trade away their picks.

Why Thunder are Better Off Trading Their Draft Picks

They Already Have a Rookie Next Season

Many fans often forget that the Thunder will already have a rookie next season. 2024 12th overall draft pick Nikola Topic will make his NBA debut next year. He sat out this season to repair a torn ACL. Topic is filled with potential, and was a steal for the squad that late in the lottery as he was projected to go top-five. His draft profile is something general managers salivate looking at. He is an uber-athletic guard with a tight handle, who is also young and brings in good size as a point guard. Topic also drew comparisons to his now teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Serbian does have his downsides, like his shooting ability. This can be a scare for Thunder fans, as they have already dealt with a below-average shooter in Josh Giddey. Still, Topic has shown potential with his shot. His free throw numbers show that a three-point shot can be developed, and the bright side of his injury is that all he can really do is shoot. A whole season working with shooting coach Chip Engelland will be valuable for the rookie. For a team that can, and probably will, finish with more than 60 wins, adding a player like Topic is a nightmare for opposing teams.

Replenish Picks for Future Drafts

General Manager Sam Presti is known for “hoarding” draft picks and has a treasure chest of them. Still, the club is short on first-round picks in some drafts. They hold value with the chance of having two lottery picks and one pick outside the lottery. Presti and company could turn them into more first-rounders for later drafts. This would also be a genius move, as it secures decent role players for the team when they get into contract problems. What better way to replenish your role players with cheap rookie contracts? Teams like the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets could use these picks and easily make a trade with the powerhouse in Bricktown.

The 2028 draft is a great example. This will be the year that extensions for players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be seen in full force. These contracts will limit what the team can do for free agency and other contracts for players. Rookies do not command much money and would give them young talent off the bench. These players would not be used to turn the franchise around but instead to try and continue a potential dynasty.

Fans have a real chance of seeing this happen. There are no roster spaces available, and the only way to clear up space is by trading players. Depending on the playoffs, the Thunder could go down this route. This just does not seem likely, though, as Oklahoma City built this roster for a reason. So, with no roster spaces available and already bringing in a rookie next season, this championship contender is best trading their picks.