With the 2025-26 NBA regular season in the books, front offices across the league are turning their full attention to the future, and for the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, that means a fascinating 2026 NBA Draft. Holding multiple picks, including a lottery selection, the Thunder have a prime opportunity to add more young talent to an already formidable core.

The draft picture is coming into focus following an electrifying March Madness, where several prospects made their case. The draft order will be set at the lottery on May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately by the draft combine, giving teams their final evaluations before the big night.

For the Thunder, projections suggest they could be adding significant pieces. With picks acquired via trades, including the No. 12 selection (from the LA Clippers) and the No. 18 pick (from the Philadelphia 76ers), Oklahoma City is positioned to draft for both immediate fit and long-term potential.

At No. 12, one name linked to the Thunder is Michigan's towering center, Aday Mara. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, was a defensive force who helped lead the Wolverines to the national championship. Crowned the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Mara is a elite rim protector who also shows impressive passing vision for a player of his size. He would provide a unique and valuable skillset to a Thunder team that values versatility.

Later in the first round, with the No. 18 pick, Oklahoma City could look to a familiar pipeline: Australia's NBL. Mexican-born forward Karim López is seen as a raw but physically gifted prospect with high upside. The Thunder have successfully mined talent from the NBL before, and López represents another high-ceiling project who could develop within their system. For a team built on a foundation of youth and athleticism, adding another dynamic piece like López could pay major dividends down the line.