OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – JUNE 22: Oklahoma City Thunder fans cheer during the NBA Finals game 7 … More
After winning a championship on Sunday night and then celebrating with a parade on Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder will turn around and look to further improve the roster on Wednesday night in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The team has several selections entering the day of the event, but doesn’t have much roster flexibility from a headcount standpoint. As such, there’s likely only room for one rookie on a full-time NBA contract and potentially a two-way player based on today’s roster construction.
As such, the Thunder has been working the trade market in an attempt to potentially move up into the lottery and maybe even the top 10. That would be a magnificent accomplishment, especially if Oklahoma City can bring in another cornerstone piece in this draft.
How could draft night unfold for the Thunder?
The Picks
Entering the morning of the 2025 NBA Draft, Oklahoma City has three selections. The Thunder are slotted to draft twice in the first round (No. 15 and No. 24) and once in the second (No. 44).
Targets at No. 15
It’s unclear who could even be on the board when the Thunder is on the clock with this pick, but there should be quite a few options. Whether it’s a player that slips down the board or a prospect that the Thunder has higher on its board than most, GM Sam Presti will have no shortage of options.
Cedric Coward: With his insane length and two-way potential, Coward could contribute in the early part of his career but one day become a starting-caliber swingman in OKC.
Egor Demin: Positional size and decision-making are important for the Thunder, which is why Demin would be another young jumbo guard to bring in and mold for the future.
Nique Clifford: Although an older prospect, Clifford is a win-now piece who makes things happen on both ends.
Thomas Sorber: An extremely lengthy center with much to still learn to reach his ceiling, Sorber could end up being one of the more underrated players in this class.
Targets at No. 24
Again, it’s even more difficult to predict who will be on the board when this late first-round pick comes around, but there are several players in this range who could potentially still be available and great fits in OKC.
Rasheer Fleming: A tall forward with 3-point shooting upside, Fleming could be the modern forward the Thunder has been looking for to combat the same archetype of player on opposing teams that always gives OKC trouble.
Drake Powell: His offense needs more work, but Powell’s defensive upside could earn him minutes with the Thunder quickly.
Adou Thiero: A freak athlete with a skillset to contribute off the bench early in his career, Thiero could be a great fit in OKC.
Liam McNeeley: For a team that struggled with shooting this past season, McNeeley could bring the Thunder much-needed floor spacing.
Targets at No. 44
While the Thunder doesn’t have the roster spots to bring in multiple rookies, there could be two-way spots available, especially for the right player. A spot can be cleared for a high-upside second rounder on a cheap deal, which would be beneficial for Oklahoma City in many ways.
Rocco Zikarsky: With one of the largest physical frames in this class, Zikarsky would provide a presence for for the Thunder situationally.
Kobe Sanders: A jumbo guard who will likely end up playing the wing at the next level, Sanders provides the versatility that Oklahoma City loves.
Hansen Yang: One of the most underrated bigs in this class, Yang plays a modern style and has incredible skill on the offensive end.
Alex Toohey: An Australian combo forward with shooting upside, Toohey brings professional experience and a desire to win.
Trade Up Targets
While it would take too many assets to move into the first half of the lottery — though OKC has the luxury of doing so if the front office wanted — there is a real scenario in which the Thunder trades up several spots into the No. 9 to No. 12 range. If that were to happen, there are a few players worth trading up to select.
Noa Essengue: Although somewhat more unproven, Essengue has tremendous size and versatility to play upward of three positions at the next level.
Derik Queen: A playmaking big with the ability to significantly enhance an offense, Queen would be the perfect Isaiah Hartenstein successor over time.
Carter Bryant: With his dynamic athleticism and two-way potential, Bryant could quickly become one of the most promising young players in OKC.
Kon Knueppel: A proven winner on the wing, Knueppel could contribute as a shooter and connector as a rookie.
Again, while Oklahoma City enters the day with these three selections, it’s unlikely that the Thunder will bring on three rookies. As such, expect movement as the team looks to build even further into the future and maintain the championship window for as long as possible. Accumulating young talent via the draft has always been a key piece of having long-term success in this league.
