The Oklahoma City Thunder lost a brutal Game 7 to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. That loss stung, but it also clarified something: the Thunder need more size, more shooting, and maybe another playmaker if they want to get past San Antonio next season.
So Sam Presti is doing what Sam Presti does. He’s hoarding assets and looking to move up. The Thunder go into draft night with picks No. 12 and No. 17, plus a stockpile of future first-rounders that gives them real flexibility. Several league sources expect Presti to package both 2026 first-round picks with a player to climb into the 6-7 range.
Here are four names that keep popping up in conversations about Oklahoma City’s draft plans.
Aday Mara, Center, Michigan
Mara is 7-foot-4 and already the best defensive big in this class. The Thunder’s defense was elite last season, but they need another body to throw at Wembanyama in the Western Conference playoffs. Mara fits that need perfectly.
The question is whether he’ll be there at No. 12. The Warriors at No. 11 are reportedly interested. That means Presti might have to trade up just to get Mara, or any other big man they have their eye on. If they’re serious about adding a frontcourt presence, Mara is the name at the top of the list.
Morez Johnson Jr., Forward, Michigan
Another Wolverine. Johnson Jr. averaged 13.1 points on 62.3% shooting, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in his lone college season. He helped Michigan win a national title. But his stock is climbing fast.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that teams picking just outside the lottery believe Johnson Jr. won’t make it past Chicago at No. 15. Some think Charlotte at No. 14 is his floor. The Bulls might even try to trade up a couple spots to leapfrog the Hornets.
That means Johnson Jr. probably won’t be there for the Thunder at No. 17. But if Presti wants him, he could move up a few spots to grab him. Yaxel Lendeborg, yet another Michigan product projected in the first round, has also been mentioned as an option for OKC at either 12 or 17.
Nate Ament, Forward, Tennessee
Ament’s name has been climbing boards all week. Some mocks have him going as high as No. 6. The Nets hold that pick, and they could just take Ament themselves. But they’ve reportedly shown interest in Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins, who fell out of the rotation after the Jared McCain trade with Philly last season.
A deal built around Wiggins, the No. 12 pick and a future first might be enough to get the Nets to move off No. 6. If Presti is as high on Ament as some reports suggest, that package could be the price of admission. And it wouldn’t cost the Thunder a core piece of their rotation.
Keaton Wagler, Guard, Illinois
I know what you’re thinking. The Thunder already have like eight guards. But Lu Dort’s future in Oklahoma City is uncertain, and Wagler is 6-foot-6 with an elite shooting touch and real playmaking ability. People compare him to Tyrese Haliburton and CJ McCollum for a reason.
The Thunder’s backcourt is crowded, sure. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the two-time MVP. Cason Wallace just made All-Defensive Second Team and is pushing for a full-time starting role. Ajay Mitchell was an early Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Isaiah Joe is the best shooter on the team. Jared McCain is right behind him. And Nikola Topic, their 2024 first-rounder, is missing summer league with a back injury. Another setback for a guy who can’t stay healthy.
Wagler would add another layer. If Presti trades up to No. 6, don’t be surprised if Wagler is the guy he’s actually targeting.
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