There’s an expectation that the Clippers will listen to trade-down offers for the fifth overall pick in the 2026 draft, league sources tell Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports.
Noting that reports have linked the Thunder to Cameron Boozer, who’s projected to be a top-three pick, O’Connor wonders if Oklahoma City might be able to use the 12th and 17th picks and an unspecified player to move up to fifth, and from that point potentially packaging the fifth selection to try to move into the top three with an “overwhelming offer,” perhaps including Chet Holmgren.
Obviously that’s just O’Connor brainstorming/speculating, but the Thunder have a trove of future first-round picks, plus their payroll is about to become very expensive, with roster-building restrictions in place if they’re over the second apron.
Oklahoma City also has a history of avoiding massive payrolls, O’Connor notes, having traded James Harden to Houston in the 2012 offseason when he was eligible for a rookie scale extension. Holmgren’s Game 7 performance vs. San Antonio and past history of struggling offensively in big moments could make the team more willing to part ways with him before his maximum-salary rookie scale extension kicks in next season, O’Connor writes.
Here are a few more rumors and notes related to the upcoming draft:
- Speaking of Boozer, one NBA general manager gave the following assessment of the former Duke star, who won several college Player of the Year awards as a freshman: “I don’t think he’s a franchise player, but I also know exactly what I’m getting with him,” the GM told Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68 (Twitter link). “Both (AJ) Dybantsa and (Darryn) Peterson have a chance to be franchise players in the league. Boozer can be a great second option.”
- The Mavericks are believed to have interest in trading up for Arkansas guard Darius Acuff, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Dallas controls the ninth, 30th and 48th picks in the upcoming draft, while Acuff is widely projected to go in the top seven. Previous reports have said the Kings, who control the seventh pick, are high on Acuff and are considered his floor. Sacramento has also been impressed by Houston guard Kingston Flemings, a projected top-10 pick, in the lead-up to the draft, sources tell Siegel.
- The Bulls and Mavericks have “known interest” in Baylor guard Cameron Carr, arguably the biggest winner at the draft combine, per Siegel. Chicago has four picks in this month’s draft: fourth, 15th, 38th and 56th. For what it’s worth, Jeremy Woo of ESPN had Carr going 15th overall in his latest mock draft.
- While Brayden Burries is considered a lock to be drafted in the lottery, his range seems pretty wide, Siegel writes. One scout from a lottery team sounded impressed by the Arizona guard before the combine, according to Siegel. “He’s simply a sound player,” the scout said of Burries. “Good vision, great instincts, good vibes around him. His teammates love playing with him. Nobody ever says, ‘Well, he can still work on this and that.’ This guy is the complete package when it comes to being cool and collected.”
My god the Chet rumors are commencing lols —
Why wouldn’t Thunder just go to Grizz with a great offer. Imo Wilson or Boozer is a great addition .
So why do this when you can get Giannis for a bit more. Really man.
I’m the Grizz I definitely take Chet and the two picks for the #3 pick. This draft is loaded. Then I get Chet a Chef. And make him add 35-40 lbs. And work on his shooting. Especially the catch n shoot. Unfortunately you have to make the money work. Don’t know if I’m right. But if traded at draft. His old contract is in play. Not the new one. Could be wrong. That’s what I searched.
This draft is gearing up to be major lols. Could be some trades made.
How is it Thunder coach not catching any flak man. He’s just letting Chet get hammered. He’s as bad imo.
Agree completely that Daigneault did not make the necessary adjustments and it is not all on Holmgren. But Chet also passed up some open looks and did not want to take his shots when they needed him to.
Yeah man. They both shrunk lol. That Wenby dunk did it.
Chet listed at 7’1” 208 lbs
KD listed at 6’11” 240 lbs ….
GTFO —— seriously lols. Chet should be 240 lbs minimum. I’m shocked he can still walk man.
Johnson is another PF Thunder should be looking at. Solid 2way guy and physical.
Carr and Johnson showed out at workouts in combine.
link to nba.com
Mavs want Acuff then they need the Clippers. Cause Nets will take Acuff.
Irving, Klay Thompson, a future pick and the Mavs pick for Garland, Beal and the 5th pick
Why would the Clippers do that? Irving and Klay don’t fit their timeline. Essentially you’re saying Clippers get the #9 and a future pick and the Mavs get the #5, Garland and Beal.
Why do they not fit the timeline with Leonard and Lopez? What timelines are you talking about?
Yes that’s what I am saying
Kevin O Conner brainstorming is a frightening thought .
He has a hard time concentrating even when following his Dr’s layed out daily pill plan
Hand in glove with yahoo as far as fit tho
Poor Chet. Thunder so quick to panic with the best record. Jalen Williams is who they should trade.
The guy just needs time to heal. They kept throwing him out there with injuries.
They need a all star PF the same age as SGA. (Blck American taller than 6’9). IHart to backup sixth man
Trade Topic, Sorber, Jaylin Williams and picks for that. That’s who they should trade
I expect Presti is already talking to Memphis and Chicago about just that.
It would be a huge risk for Thunder to trade Chet or JW, just to move up in the draft. Even top 4 players are hit-or-miss stars. On average less than half of top 4 draft picks will become All Stars. The last time all 4 of the top picks were All Stars was in 1970. (Lanier, Tomjanovich, Maravich and Cowens).
Agreed. No need for OKC to panic. If Williams and Mitchell had played then OKC would be in the finals again. OKC has a great roster. If it works don’t fix it.