Why the Thunder Should Keep an Eye on Brook Lopez as a Smart Trade Deadline Target
The Oklahoma City Thunder are flying high. At 21-1, they’re not just leading the league-they’re steamrolling it.
This team has the look of a legitimate title favorite, with a young core that’s playing beyond its years and a defense that’s as disciplined as it is disruptive. So, on the surface, it might seem like Sam Presti and the Thunder front office can sit tight and enjoy the ride.
But here’s the thing about championship-caliber teams: they don’t just plan for now-they prepare for what’s coming. And what’s coming is a long postseason grind where depth, experience, and versatility in the frontcourt can make or break a Finals run. That’s why Brook Lopez, currently stuck in the middle of the LA Clippers' unraveling season, is a name worth watching.
The Clippers’ Collapse Could Be OKC’s Opportunity
Let’s start with the Clippers. This was a team many pegged as a serious challenger to Oklahoma City’s throne heading into the 2025-26 season.
Instead, they’ve stumbled out of the gate with a 5-16 record-fifth-worst in the league-and are on track to miss the playoffs entirely. That’s a brutal fall for a franchise that’s been all-in on veteran talent for years.
For the Thunder, this situation presents a two-fold advantage: not only is a potential playoff rival slipping out of the picture, but OKC also holds the rights to a Clippers pick that could now land in the lottery. And with LA reportedly looking to cut salary, there’s an opening here for Oklahoma City to make a move that helps both their present and future.
Lopez Brings Championship DNA and Floor-Spreading Size
Brook Lopez isn’t just a big name-he’s a big-time fit. Even at this stage of his 18-year career, he brings a skill set that meshes perfectly with what the Thunder are building.
He’s a former All-Star, a multi-time All-Defensive selection, and since reinventing himself in Milwaukee, he’s become one of the league’s most reliable stretch bigs. Since the 2016-17 season, he’s connected on 35.5% of his threes-elite territory for a 7-footer.
Pairing Lopez with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein would give OKC a three-headed frontcourt rotation that checks every box: rim protection, floor spacing, rebounding, and playoff-tested experience. Holmgren and Lopez, in particular, could form a devastating defensive duo, with both capable of stepping out to the perimeter and anchoring the paint.
And when you’re looking ahead to a deep playoff run, having that kind of size and versatility is invaluable. It’s not just about surviving the regular season-it’s about being able to match up with the likes of Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, or Giannis Antetokounmpo come May and June.
A Financially Savvy Move for the Future
There’s also a financial angle here that makes Lopez even more appealing. Hartenstein is set to make $28.5 million next season, but that deal comes with a club option. Given the Thunder are projected to be around $24 million over the second apron, there’s a real chance they’ll move on from that contract to maintain flexibility.
Enter Lopez, who’s making just $9.1 million this season. That’s a fraction of Hartenstein’s cost, and if OKC can acquire him without giving up significant assets, it sets them up with a reliable, cost-effective option in the frontcourt for the stretch run-and potentially beyond.
Low Risk, High Reward
There’s been some chatter about Ivica Zubac as a possible trade target from the Clippers, and while he’s a solid player, the price tag would likely include first-round draft capital. That’s a tough ask for a team that’s already rich in young talent and future picks.
Lopez, on the other hand, could likely be had for a much lower cost-think second-rounders or a salary-matching deal. That’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that Presti has made a career out of.
The Bottom Line
The Thunder don’t need to make a move. But when you’re this close to a championship window, standing pat can be just as risky as overreaching. Brook Lopez offers a rare combination of playoff experience, defensive presence, and offensive spacing that could quietly elevate this team from contender to favorite.
If the Clippers are ready to sell-and all signs point that way-Presti and the Thunder would be wise to make the call. Because in a season where everything is clicking, the right veteran addition could be the final piece to a title puzzle.