The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding high as reigning NBA champions, but while they aim for a repeat, the front office is already looking ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft. It's the best of both worlds for OKC—competing at the highest level while stockpiling future assets. And with a trio of picks already in hand, the Thunder are once again positioned to add serious young talent.
As things stand, Oklahoma City controls three selections in the 2026 draft: No. 12 (via the LA Clippers), No. 17 (via the Philadelphia 76ers), and No. 37 (via the Dallas Mavericks). Of course, Thunder fans know better than to expect the team to stand pat—general manager Sam Presti loves to wheel and deal on draft night. But whether they trade up, down, or stay put, the question remains: who fits best with this already-loaded roster?
To get some answers, we sat down with NBA draft expert Derek Parker, who broke down two intriguing prospects he's linked to OKC in his latest mock draft.
On Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 12:
"Oklahoma City plays a lot of wing-sized guards. Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Lu Dort are all elite defenders, but they're guard-sized. Lendeborg, out of Michigan, is 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He offers a completely different look. The Thunder don't have a player of that size on the roster—someone who can slide between wing and forward rather than guard and wing. From a basketball perspective, he's a seamless fit. He guards on and off the ball, he's positionally versatile, he handles and passes, he can play in the post, and he rebounds at a high level. There's really nothing he can't do, and he has the feel for the game that fits OKC's system."
On Dailyn Swain at No. 17:
"It's a similar story in terms of fit. Swain is 6-foot-8 and a true wing, and the Thunder just don't have a player that size with his athleticism. He's been a long-time contributor at the college level and brings a two-way game that could translate immediately. For a team that values versatility and defensive toughness, Swain checks a lot of boxes."
Whether the Thunder use both picks or package them for a bigger move, one thing is clear: OKC's championship window is wide open, and they're already thinking about how to keep it that way.