Thunder rumors: 2026 NBA Draft trade plan after getting No. 12, 17 picks

With the Oklahoma City Thunder owning the No. 12 and 17 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, there is a question from the basketball world if the team will even keep the selections. As Thunder executive Sam Presti has work to do in the NBA Draft or even dealing away the picks, there are reports of what Oklahoma City is planning to do.

ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel would release his mock draft and detailed that the Thunder’s plans for the NBA Draft could include ‘not utilizing both first-round picks this year.’

“The early expectation is that the Thunder will not be utilizing both first-round picks this year. Presti is always working the phone to gain future assets, and rival front offices expect the same this draft cycle, with the Thunder attempting to sell one of their two top-20 picks for future first-round compensation,” Siegel wrote.

If the Thunder don’t deal away picks, it could help with replacing assets

Despite the expectation that the Thunder won’t keep the first-round picks, Siegel still envisions a world where Oklahoma City would take Mexico forward Karim Lopez at the 12th pick and Michigan center Andy Mara at 17th overall.

“With all the talent the Oklahoma City Thunder have, Lopez would be another guy they draft for the future, spending time working with him behind the scenes on his craft while also competing for championships. However, this pick is up in the air for the Thunder, both from a trade perspective and that of them utilizing the pick to replace a player who could depart in the offseason,” Siegel wrote.

“The Thunder have some financial decisions to make with Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Kenrich Williams after this season, so it’s plausible to believe that Sam Presti could consider replacing one of them with this No. 12 pick,” Siegel continued. “Do not be shocked if Presti works his magic again and the Thunder deal this pick to a team desperate to trade up…”

It remains to be seen what the Thunder end up doing as Presti looks to continue to build the success of the team.

The post Thunder rumors: 2026 NBA Draft trade plan after getting No. 12, 17 picks appeared first on ClutchPoints.