Thunder have the rest of the NBA ‘in a panic’

The Thunder also have the Utah Jazz’s first-round pick, though that one is top-eight protected. The Philadelphia 76ers would also owe the Thunder their own first-round pick if it falls outside of the top four. Next year, the Thunder have another pick swap with the Clippers as well.

In other words, the Thunder may be lined up to add even more young talent to what is already the NBA’s best team over the next two years or so. They already have their core locked up long-term, and if they get this right, they could become an absolute juggernaut.

The Clippers, meanwhile, are in a horrible position. They look like they are in for a long season, but are unlikely to have anything to show for it in terms of draft picks. That could lessen their incentive to break up the squad, but it is unclear how they plan to turn things around.