What Oklahoma City Thunder Should Do with Their Draft Picks of 2025
Thanks to the reconstruction, they have several selections, but they are already one of the best teams in the NBA, if not the best, and they should only focus on the ring.
In a draft class led by Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey, the Oklahoma City Thunder could end up with many picks. This year, they have the protected pick from the Philadelphia 76ers within the top six, the pick swap from either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Houston Rockets (the better of the two), and the lottery-protected pick from the Miami Heat. They also own the Utah Jazz's selection, but it is protected within the top 10, so it is highly likely not to convey. With the potential arrival of several rookies to the roster, the picks would come in handy. There are many reasons why they should consider trading their selections.
Many fans often forget that the Thunder will already have a rookie next season. Nikola Topic, the 12th pick in the 2024 draft, will debut in the NBA next year. He didn't play this season due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Topic is full of potential and was a steal for the team so late in the lottery, as he was projected to go within the top five. His draft profile is something that makes general managers drool. He is a very athletic shooting guard with good ball-handling skills, young, and has good size as a guard. Topic has also drawn comparisons to his current teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Serbian has his drawbacks, such as his shooting ability. This may concern Thunder fans, who have already had to deal with a below-average shooter in Josh Giddey. Still, Topic has shown potential with his shooting. His free-throw numbers indicate he can develop a three-point shot, and the silver lining of his injury is that all he can really do is shoot. A whole season working with shooting coach Chip Engelland will be invaluable for the rookie. For a team that could end up, and likely will end up, with over 60 wins, adding a player like Topic is a nightmare for opposing teams.
General Manager Sam Presti is known for stockpiling draft picks and has a treasure trove of them. However, the club lacks first-round picks in some drafts. They hold value with the potential for two lottery picks and a non-lottery pick. Presti and company could turn these into more first-round selections for future drafts. This would also be a smart move, ensuring decent role players for the team when facing contract issues. What better way to restock your role players with cost-effective rookie contracts? Teams like the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets could use these picks and easily engage in a trade with the Bricktown powerhouse.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Plan
The 2028 draft is a prime example. This will be the year when extensions for players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will kick in full force. These contracts will limit what the team can do in free agency and other player contracts. Rookies do not demand much money and would provide young talent off the bench. These players are not meant to turn the franchise around, but to strive for a potential dynasty to continue.
Fans have a real chance to see this happen. There are no available slots on the roster, and the only way to free up cap space is by trading players. Depending on the playoffs, the Thunder could go down this path. However, it seems unlikely as Oklahoma City built this roster for a reason. Therefore, with no room on the roster and a rookie next season, the best course for this title contender is to trade their selections.
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