OKC Thunder Anticipated to Make 'Bold' NBA Draft Decision After Finals Run
OKC Thunder Anticipated to Make 'Bold' NBA Draft Decision After Finals Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from an NBA championship. That is the organization's primary focus at the moment. However, it will not be long until they are forced to shift their attention elsewhere.
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The Thunder have a large stockpile of draft picks in their treasure chest. It is truly a situation where they have more assets than what they know to do with.
This is especially the case if the organization ends up winning this year's NBA Finals. If the Thunder conquer the Indiana Pacers in one of these last two games, they have a proven winner on their hands.
Breaking up the core or pushing all-in are immediately taken off the table for the Thunder with a trophy to show for this season. That would lead to a unique question that needs to be answered.
Jun 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court past Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second quarter in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder will have three selections in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. At the moment, they hold picks 15, 24, and 44.
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Oklahoma City already has the vast majority of their roster locked down for the 2025-26 campaign. Simply put, there is not enough room to add three more players to the mix.
This is why Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report predicted a bold move to help the Thunder free themselves of that burden. The NBA writer does not anticipate Oklahoma City keeping all those selections.
"It's hard to imagine OKC wanting to bring three rookies to a team that's going to be competing for championships for the next 5-10 years," Swartz wrote. "Doing so would mean trading multiple players off a current roster that has been so successful."
Swartz added, "For teams wanting to get back into the first round, this is your trade partner. The Thunder should be happy to trade their current picks for future ones, kicking the can down the road for a day when they may actually need them."
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Ultimately, it is hard to disagree with any of the above sentiment. The Thunder are in a position where upgrades are far from a necessity. The same goes for adding young talent.
It should be unsurprising to see Sam Presti delay the decision amid a run of success unlike any other during the franchise's time in Oklahoma City.
Related: Jalen Williams Draws Comparison to Bulls Legend During NBA Finals Run
Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Strong Words For Chet Holmgren During NBA Finals
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
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