Rumor: OKC Thunder could move up in 2026 NBA draft

May 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, US; Representitives of the NBA teams walk onto the stage during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Even with the Oklahoma City Thunder trying to go back-to-back, they still have a vested interest in the 2026 NBA draft. Thanks to their long-term planning at the start of the decade, they're enjoying the best of both worlds — being a title contender and being gifted high lottery picks.

The Thunder will have a handful of 2026 first-round picks to mess around with. They own the LA Clippers' lottery pick. The Philadelphia 76ers will also send them the No. 17 pick. Considering how stacked their roster is, it's safe to assume OKC won't bring in a loaded rookie class.

And it sounds like folks around the NBA believe the same, too. In Sam Vecenie's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, The Athletic's top expert said he's heard from within the league that the Thunder could package some draft capital to move up.

"Teams across the league look at Oklahoma City, as well, as a team primed to likely try to combine its picks to move up," Vecenie wrote. "Or to try to move one of these picks to move out of the draft."

That's an interesting strategy with history to back it up. The Thunder historically moves up. They're one of the more aggressive teams at the NBA draft with transactions. Makes all the sense in the world to move up to pick one premium player. Especially since it'll be a chore to open up a roster spot.