The OKC Thunder are laser-focused on capturing their second consecutive NBA championship, but this weekend offers another reason for excitement. The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is set for Sunday at 2 p.m. CT on ABC, and the Thunder will have a significant stake in the proceedings.
OKC enters the lottery with one pick in the top 14—courtesy of the Los Angeles Clippers—plus the No. 17 overall pick (via Philadelphia) and the No. 37 pick in the second round (via Dallas). The lottery results will officially set the order for the 2026 NBA Draft, a two-day event scheduled for June 23-24.
Here’s a breakdown of what Thunder fans need to know, from pick odds to potential targets based on where they land.
How OKC Acquired Its Picks
The Thunder’s two first-round picks this year came from savvy trades. The Philadelphia 76ers pick—now locked in at No. 17—was acquired in November 2020 when OKC traded Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green, and Vincent Poirier. The Thunder also received Al Horford, the No. 34 pick in 2020 (Theo Maledon), and the draft rights to Vasilije Micic. The pick didn’t convey in 2025 due to top-four protection, but it will this season.
The Clippers pick, which has the 12th-best lottery odds, came from the blockbuster 2019 trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles. In return, OKC landed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two pick swaps—a deal that continues to pay dividends.
Additionally, the Thunder own the Dallas Mavericks’ second-round pick, which will be No. 37 overall.
Lottery Odds for the Clippers Pick
As a championship contender, OKC isn’t used to being in the lottery mix. But thanks to the Clippers’ struggles, the Thunder have a chance to add a high-upside young player. Here are the odds for that pick:
- No. 1 overall: 1.5%
- No. 2 overall: 1.7%
- No. 3 overall: 1.9%
- No. 4 overall: 2.1%
- No. 5 overall: 2.4%
- No. 6 overall: 3.0%
- No. 7 overall: 3.8%
- No. 8 overall: 5.0%
- No. 9 overall: 6.6%
- No. 10 overall: 8.9%
- No. 11 overall: 12.0%
- No. 12 overall: 15.8%
- No. 13 overall: 20.4%
- No. 14 overall: 14.8%
The most likely outcome is the pick landing at No. 13, but the Thunder have a real shot at moving up—or falling slightly—depending on how the ping-pong balls bounce.
What This Means for OKC
Unlike most lottery teams, the Thunder are in a unique position: they’re competing for a title while also stockpiling young talent. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and a deep roster already in place, any addition from this draft could be a luxury piece—or a trade asset. General manager Sam Presti has a history of turning picks into future stars, and this year is no different.
Whether the Thunder land a top-10 pick or stay in the late lottery, expect them to target versatile wings, shooters, or high-upside big men who can develop within their winning culture. The draft lottery is just the first step, but for a team already on top, it’s another chance to build for the long haul.