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The Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for the 2022 NBA Draft with the best collection of draft ammunition. They have the second overall pick after moving up two spots in the draft lottery as well as picks 12, 30 and 34 for Sam Presti's favorite day of the year.
Although the Thunder should keep the second overall pick, they should absolutely look for ways to move their other draft capital around. The downside to having so many picks is that they won't be able to use all of them. The Thunder already have so many youngsters on their roster. So, in this year's draft, which doesn't seem to offer as much depth as previous ones, it may be best to consolidate picks so that they can be sure they get their preferred targets.
While throwing all the draft picks they can to land Donovan Mitchell is certainly worth their time, it may not be in the cards at the moment. The Thunder should look to move around in the draft, as Presti has done with their later draft picks in previous drafts.
2 best trades Thunder must make after getting picks 2, 12 at 2022 NBA Draft Lottery
2. Moving slightly up in the 2022 NBA Draft
The Thunder, who also own picks 30 and 34, could move up from the 12th pick. The team with the biggest incentive to trade back and accumulate more draft picks is the Washington Wizards, who have the 10th and 56th picks. They could use another pick to add more young talent. OKC could trade picks 12 and 30 for selection number 10.
Moving up only two spots may not seem worthwhile but it is something the Thunder will likely have to do a lot of. They have too many picks moving forward, so they will have to use some to make trades. Each of the teams picking between the fifth and ninth picks has a stronger incentive to keep their picks. They already have mid-first-round or favorable second-round picks.
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The Wizards moving down two spots and adding another valuable draft pick should be enough of a reason to make the trade. Meanwhile, the Thunder move up and obtain a more valuable draft pick. They could take a swing on a youngster like Jalen Duren or Jeremy Sochan. They could also get a more experienced player like Tari Eason.
1. Going all-in for the top pick
With so many picks to burn, young players already on the team to develop and plenty more chances to play the draft lottery in the next few seasons, why shouldn't they try to obtain the top pick? It will be a hard sell to the Orlando Magic on it but the Thunder ought to try.
This is the one scenario in which giving up the second overall pick. They would offer that to the Magic and should start with their two picks in the 30s before offering the 12th pick. If it comes to that, it would still be worthwhile for the Thunder, though they may be compelled to ask for another future pick.
Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren are the top three players in this year's draft class. Rather than getting to pick between two, the Thunder would be able to ensure they get the player they want if they obtain the top pick. High-level talent is what's most important. OKC is in a position where they can get the potential superstar they want instead of running the risk of watching him being picked right in front of them.
