Oklahoma City Thunder Currently Hold 32 NBA Draft Picks Until 2031

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a uniquely advantageous position in the NBA, holding a staggering 32 draft picks through the 2031 season. This incredible stockpile, in the best-case scenario, includes 15 first-round picks and 17 second-round picks. 

But, due to various protections, swaps, and other conditions tied to these picks, the actual number of first-round picks could drop, leading to an increase in second-round picks. Regardless, the Thunder remain a team to watch not just for their current on-court success but also for their potential to dominate future drafts and shape the league’s landscape.

The Thunder have been outstanding this season, boasting a record of 35-7, which is second in the league and best in the West. Led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a supporting cast of young talents like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, the Thunder are contenders in the present while remaining perfectly positioned to secure long-term dominance. 

This success is a testament to the vision of General Manager Sam Presti, whose asset management has been nothing short of masterful.

2025 NBA Draft – 5 first-round picks, 1 second-round pick

– First-Round pick from Philadelphia 76ers (Top 6 Protected)

– First-Round pick from Houston Rockets Or Los Angeles Clippers (Top 10 Protected)

– First-Round pick from Utah Jazz (Top 10 Protected) 

– First-Round pick From Miami Heat (Top 14 Protected) 

– Own First-Round pick

– Second-Round pick From Atlanta Hawks (Top 31-40 Protected)

2026 NBA Draft – 2 first-round picks, 2 second-round picks

– First-Round pick From Philadelphia 76ers (Unprotected)

– First-Round pick from Houston Rocket or Los Angeles Clippers (Top 4 Protected)

– Own Second-Round pick

– Second-Round pick from Dallas Mavericks or Philadelphia 76ers (Unprotected)

2027 NBA Draft: 3 first-round picks, 1 second-round pick

– First-Round pick from Denver Nuggets (Top 5 Protected)

– Own First-Round pick 

– First-Round pick from Los Angeles Clippers (Right to swap)

– Second-Round pick from Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers or Miami Heat (Unprotected)

2028 NBA Draft: 2 first-round picks, 3 second-round picks

– First-Round pick from Dallas (Unprotected)

– Own First-Round pick

– Second-Round pick from Milwaukee Bucks (Unprotected)

– Second-Round pick from Utah Jazz (Unprotected)

– Own Second-Round pick 

2029 NBA Draft: 2 first-round picks, 6 second-round picks

– First-Round pick from Denver Nuggets (Top 5 Protected)

– Own First-Round pick

– Second-Round pick from Atlanta Hawks (Unprotected)

– 2029 Second-Round pick from Boston Celtics (Unprotected)

– 2029 Second-Round pick from Houston Rockets (Unprotected)

– 2029 Second-Round pick from Miami Heat (Unprotected)

– 2029 Second-Round pick from Phoenix Suns (Unprotected)

– Own Second-Round pick

2030 NBA Draft: 1 first-round pick, 3 second-round picks

– Own First-Round pick

– Second-Round pick from Miami Heat (Unprotected)

– Second-Round pick from Houston Rockets (Unprotected)

– Own Second-Round pick

2031 NBA Draft: 1 first-round pick, 1 second-round pick

– Own First-Round pick

– Own Second-Round pick

Why Could The Number Of Picks Vary?

Many of the Thunder’s draft picks come with specific conditions, such as protections and rights to swaps, which can influence their value and placement. For instance, protections like “top-10” or “top-6” may prevent the Thunder from acquiring certain first-round picks if the originating team lands in those protected slots. Similarly, some picks could convert to second-round selections if protections are met, as outlined in the complex terms of deals involving teams like the Clippers, Jazz, Rockets, and Heat.

Despite these variables, Oklahoma City’s best-case scenario is extraordinary: 15 first-round picks to secure potential stars and 17 second-round picks for depth or trade capital. Even in less favorable outcomes, the Thunder are still positioned to hold an overwhelming number of draft assets, ensuring their ability to remain competitive in multiple ways.

The accumulation of these picks stems from a series of savvy trades over the years. The 2019 trade of Paul George to the Clippers stands out as a turning point, bringing in Gilgeous-Alexander and a haul of picks that continue to shape the Thunder’s future. Similarly, moves involving Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and other stars have added significant draft capital.

Presti’s war chest allows OKC to pursue multiple strategies. The Thunder could use these picks to draft the next generation of stars, trade for a proven superstar to complement their current core, or leverage them in smaller deals to address specific needs. With five first-round picks in the 2025 draft alone, the Thunder are in prime position to swing for the fences.

While the Thunder’s current success has captured attention, their future remains the most intriguing aspect. Few teams in NBA history have had such an enviable mix of on-court talent and future assets. As the league evolves, Oklahoma City appears poised to remain a perennial contender, proving that Presti’s long-term vision and meticulous planning are paying off.

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