The Oklahoma City Thunder have long been known for their patience-stockpiling draft picks, developing young talent, and rarely making midseason splashes. But this year’s trade deadline told a different story. Sam Presti, the architect of the Thunder’s long-term rebuild, stepped out of his usual playbook and made a series of moves that signal a shift in strategy-at least for now.
The headline move? Bringing in Jared McCain, last season’s breakout rookie.
With OKC’s backcourt dealing with injuries, McCain gives them an immediate jolt of scoring and playmaking. He’s a confident shooter, a crafty ball-handler, and someone who doesn’t shy away from big moments-exactly the kind of spark the Thunder needed to stay competitive in the West.
But McCain wasn’t the only piece added. Oklahoma City executed three trades in total before the 3 p.m.
ET deadline, parting with a collection of draft capital to make it happen. And while giving up future picks is always a calculated risk, the Thunder still find themselves sitting on one of the deepest war chests of draft assets in the NBA.
Here’s a breakdown of what OKC’s draft pick situation looks like after the dust settled:
First-Round Picks
- 2026: Own pick, plus picks via Utah (top-8 protected) and the Clippers
- 2027: A swap with the Clippers, plus picks from Denver (top-5 protected) and San Antonio (top-16 protected)
- 2028: A pick swap with Dallas
- 2029: Their own pick, plus a conditional pick from Denver (only if at least two years have passed since Denver sent OKC a first-rounder)
- 2030-2032: All three of their own first-round picks
That’s 11 first-rounders across the next seven drafts. Even after making moves to bolster the current roster, OKC still has more first-round flexibility than most franchises dream of.
Second-Round Picks
The second-round stockpile is just as impressive-and just as versatile:
- 2026: A swap with Dallas of Philadelphia’s pick
- 2027: A swap involving Houston, Indiana, or Miami
- 2028: Their own, plus picks from Milwaukee and Utah
- 2029: Four total picks-own, plus from Boston, Atlanta, and Miami
- 2030: Picks from Denver, Houston, and Miami
- 2031: A swap via Orlando or New Orleans (OKC gets the less favorable of the two)
- 2032: Their own pick
That’s 13 second-rounders over the next seven years. These may not make headlines, but smart front offices know how to turn second-round picks into real value-either through the draft or as trade sweeteners.
The Balsa Koprivica Move: A Subtle but Smart Play
One under-the-radar move that could pay off big down the road: Oklahoma City acquired the draft rights to 7-foot-1 Serbian center Balsa Koprivica from the Jazz in exchange for cash considerations.
Why does that matter? Because under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams that cross the second apron threshold (the league’s new ultra-luxury tax line) lose the ability to send cash in trades.
That makes holding the rights to an international player like Koprivica-who isn’t currently in the league-a valuable workaround. His rights could be used in future deals as a tradeable asset without violating second apron restrictions.
It’s a classic Presti move: thinking two or three steps ahead, even while making win-now additions.
What It All Means
The Thunder didn’t just add a talented young guard in McCain-they made a statement. They’re not just collecting picks anymore; they’re starting to spend them. And yet, even after doing so, they still have one of the most enviable draft portfolios in the league.
This is a team that’s built for the present and the future. With a young core already in place and the flexibility to keep making moves, OKC is positioning itself not just for a playoff run this season, but for sustained success over the next decade.
The rebuild isn’t over-but the Thunder are clearly ready to take the next step.