The Thunder may lead three games to two in the NBA Finals, but that is not slowing them down regarding the NBA Draft. The Thunder own the 15th, 24th, and 44th overall picks in this year’s draft. They have a problem, though: they have no roster spaces available for any rookie they select. With rumors that the Thunder are looking to trade up and some prospects sliding down the boards, they can free up roster space and take a top prospect in the NBA Draft.
Thunder Looking To Trade Up For A Top NBA Prospect
On Monday, Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal reported that the Celtics, Thunder, and Nets are looking to trade up in the draft. The Brooklyn Nets already hold a lottery pick but may be looking to land in the top three. Specifically, this is due to Ace Bailey’s draft stock falling. The Celtics are going through financial instability and need a guard to replace Jrue Holiday. The Thunder, though, do not need to do anything. The fact that Bailey’s draft stock is falling may indicate the Thunder moving up to snag him.
The Celtics, Thunder, and Nets are reportedly among the teams looking to trade up in the draft, per @GrantAfseth
“Boston holds picks No. 28 and 32 and has been discreet in its evaluation of point guard prospects. Oklahoma City holds picks No. 15 and 24 along with a deep… pic.twitter.com/WDkMsguQfT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Should the Thunder Draft Ace Bailey?
The Rutgers forward does have an amazing skillset, and he is one of the top players in this year’s draft. Does this mean he would be a good fit for the Thunder? If you want to look at the stats and frame, then yes, he would be a good fit. During his lone season at Rutgers, Bailey put up 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He has impressive stats as a freshman, and he would be a suitable replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein once his contract is over.
The one thing about the Thunder is they do not draft solely based on stats; they draft based on character.
Sam Presti has been known to take one’s character and personality into his draft decisions. He recognizes that the Thunder is not just the face of Oklahoma City but the entire state of Oklahoma. With Ace Bailey feeling like he should be one of the star players on a team, this just does not fit into the Thunder culture. It might ruin what Presti has built in Loud City. This reason alone should be why the Thunder should avoid Bailey at all costs.
So Why Are They Trying To Trade Up?
The Thunder could be trading up for multiple prospects. One that is speculated amongst fans is Derik Queen, the Maryland center. His rookie contract is up once Hartenstein leaves the Thunder, and Queen will serve as a perfect replacement. This should not be a worry for the Thunder right now, and they could take a chance on Rocco Zikarsky in the second round for this role. Instead, they are more than likely doing this to secure Noa Essengue.
Essengue is the perfect prospect for the Thunder. He is a young and raw player with good size and versatility. He can play every position besides center, and offensively, he shows a ton of promise. On defense, he has room for improvement, but his size and athleticism show he can improve. Also, playing alongside the league’s best defense will turn him into a better defender.
The Thunder do not need to draft anyone, but Essengue would be the perfect fit. With Nikola Topić returning from an injury, the 2024 12th overall pick will finally see action next season. Pairing Topić with Essengue in the second unit could be a nightmare for opposing teams. Whatever the plan is, and whatever top prospect the Thunder take in the NBA Draft, Thunder fans should have no worries this offseason.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The post Thunder Looking To Trade Up For A Top Draft Prospect appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.