Whereas the remainder of the NBA was taking part in chess, Sam Presti was taking part in checkers.
Underneath Presti, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have acquired an unmatched variety of first and second-round draft picks.
They might basically bundle a number of belongings to land virtually any participant they covet, whether or not it’s to commerce up within the NBA Draft or to commerce for him straight up.
Furthermore, they may additionally get assist from one other group to land their subsequent famous person.
As identified by NBA insider Kevin O’Connor, the Thunder personal the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round choose for the subsequent NBA Draft.
And with Paul George gone and Kawhi Leonard set to overlook the beginning of the season, he believes there’s a robust probability they may find yourself having one of many highest picks, thus opening up the door for the Thunder to get one other younger star (through Legion Hoops).
OKC owns the Clippers’ choose from the Paul George commerce, and, if Kawhi isn’t wholesome, it may assist them land a high prospect subsequent yr, h/t @KevinOConnorNBA.
Think about 🤯 pic.twitter.com/E3h3JIQu2F
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 19, 2024
All eyes will likely be on Duke this season.
Cooper Flagg, a gifted combo ahead who stands at 6-foot-9, is firmly anticipated to be the No. 1 choose.
Evidently, pairing him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren is a mouth-watering thought for Presti and Thunder followers.
For years, scouts have deemed Flagg as the subsequent huge factor within the NBA, and he’s already held his personal towards NBA competitors after being part of the choose group that scrimmaged vs. Group USA forward on the Olympics.
The Thunder are knocking on the door of championship competition, and so they’re simply getting began.
