The Oklahoma City Thunder have the No. 15, 24, and 44 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. That, combined with having all 15 players on their roster under contract for next season, makes them a perfect draft-day trade partner for the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Thunder potentially trading up in the draft was a scenario recently brought up by NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required).
"Or do the Thunder look to consolidate those two looming first-round picks and move up into the lottery? That is a scenario several teams picking in the back end of the top 14 are preparing for, league sources say," wrote Fischer.
Why the Blazers need to get on the phone with the Thunder
The Blazers could trade back from their No. 11 pick in exchange for the Thunder's No. 15 and 24 overall picks. Oklahoma City consolidates its picks to clear a roster spot, while Portland could take two at-bats to swing for a home run.
ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony mentioned how the draft class has a top eight tier of players forming. That means that Portland at No. 11 should either consider moving up into that top eight tier or trading back in the draft, as the gap between pick 11 and 15 isn't that wide.
Perhaps that small jump isn't worth it for the Thunder, but it's clear they have to do something.
"The Thunder, as presently constructed, simply cannot add two rookie-scale contracts onto their payroll without cutting ties with someone under contract. If you're looking for offseason trees to shake, something is going to fall here," reported Fischer.
OKC has the best scouting department in the association; they could be set on one particular prospect and want to trade up to ensure they land him, which is easier to justify given their roster situation.
Who should the Blazers target with these picks?
The Blazers, desperate for more star power, could take two high-upside fliers in hopes of one panning out. At pick No. 15, those options could include Egor Demin, Collin Murray-Boyles, Carter Bryant, Jase Richardson, or sleeper prospect Cedric Coward. Some of these players are already in the mix for Portland's No. 11 overall pick, making it a wise decision to trade back, see who falls, and land another valuable first-rounder in the process.
Ideal prospects at pick No. 24, should they still be available, include Nolan Traore, Thomas Sorber, Rasheer Fleming, Nique Clifford, or Liam McNeeley. If none of them fall, Portland could even decide to gamble on a relatively unknown prospect such as Joan Beringer, offering them a valuable long-term backup solution to Donovan Clingan.
The exact prospects remain in question with such volatility towards the back end of the first round. But the point remains -- this would be tremendous value for the Blazers. They should get on the phone with the Thunder to see how they can capitalize on their roster situation.