Oklahoma City Thunder's Biggest Offseason Needs Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

The rich only get richer, as the Oklahoma City Thunder can add three top-37 picks to the roster, including two in the top 17.

OKC may not have room for three (or even two) rookies, however. If all team options are picked up, the Thunder's roster stands at a full 15 players.

Trying to package draft picks to move up is one option, although Sam Presti could go in the opposite direction as well. Trading these first-round picks for future draft capital would be a smart move, giving the Thunder more flexibility as the roster only becomes more expensive down the road.

2025-26 Record: 64-18

Draft Picks: 12, 17, 37

A Potential Star

The Thunder, having two first-round picks and maybe needing to move someone like Luguentz Dort for cap relief, make them the most obvious potential trade-up candidate in the draft.

If they can sneak into the top six or seven, Sam Presti's track record suggests he may be able to find another potential star to add to this mix.

Health

There was plenty of understandable criticism of Chet Holmgren after the Oklahoma City Thunder were eliminated. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fielded some of it too.

And while the team itself may try to avoid the excuse, the fact of the matter is that OKC likely would've beaten the San Antonio Spurs if Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were healthy.

Running it back would be mighty expensive, but this is a title-worthy roster without doing anything this offseason.

A New Isaiah Hartenstein Contract

Isaiah Hartenstein is under contract for 2026-27, but it's a team option for $28.5 million, which is just about how much the Thunder are over the second apron.

Being past that line takes many team-building options off the table, so the Thunder should be interested in declining that team option, giving Hartenstein a longer contract with a lower annual salary, and perhaps getting off Dort's contract.