Thunder looking to make big move on draft night despite championship win
The Thunder aren’t resting on their laurels after winning it all. Despite just capturing an NBA championship on Sunday night, Oklahoma City is already looking to improve their roster through the upcoming draft.
ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony dropped some interesting news on Tuesday about the team’s plans.
“I keep hearing rumblings that the Thunder are trying to move up in the draft,” Givony revealed.
OKC currently holds picks #15, #24, and #44 in Wednesday’s draft. According to Givony, they’re exploring options to package these selections together to jump into the top 10.
The Thunder are reportedly eyeing a move up “4 or 5 slots, maybe 6 to Toronto” and will be fully prepared if they can strike a deal for a lottery pick.
It’s a bold strategy for a team that just reached the pinnacle of NBA success.
The 2024-25 Thunder were the youngest team in the entire league, yet somehow managed to win an incredible 68 regular season games before defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game Finals series.
So who might they be targeting with this potential move up?
Givony mentioned three players on Oklahoma City’s radar: Collin Murray-Boyles, Noa Eugene, and Joan Beringer.
Murray-Boyles spent two seasons at South Carolina, where he put up impressive numbers last year – 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and solid defensive stats. His two-way versatility fits perfectly with the Thunder’s playing style.
Noa Eugene is an intriguing prospect from France who played in Germany last season. At just 18 years old, the explosive small forward has tremendous athletic upside, though his shooting needs work.
The third potential target, Joan Beringer, is a 6’10” French center who played in Croatia. Despite his size, the 18-year-old offers surprising versatility and doesn’t need the ball to be effective – a valuable trait in OKC’s system.
With their massive stockpile of future draft picks, the Thunder can afford to be aggressive on Wednesday night.
This potential move shows just how committed Oklahoma City is to building a dynasty, not just a one-time champion.
