Where OKC Thunder NBA Draft Picks Stand At March Madness

The Oklahoma City Thunder have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but still have its sights set on a Lottery Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Here is where the pick situation sits currently.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti speaks during an introductory press conference for the 2024 Thunder draft picks at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June, 29, 2024. / SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Oklahoma City Thunder have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, on March 21. The OKC Thunder are teh second youngest team to secure this honor, trailing only last year's OKC squad. With that, the Thunder have also clinched the Northwest Divsion banner for the second straight season, marking its seventh divisional banner. This is the second most Divsion titles in the last 15 years only behind the Miami Heat.

As the Oklahoma City Thunder are the popular pick for most to win the NBA title, they still have their sights set on the NBA Draft. The embarrassment of riches only grows with its stock pile of future draft picks. This includes a potential for four draft picks in this class.

By this time of year, teams have made up its mind on the need to go all-in for the postseason or manipulate the standings to better its lottery odds. As March Madness ramps up so does the draft coverage. Here is where the possible picks stand for Oklahoma City.

1) Philadelphia 76ers Top-6 protected pick

The 76ers are having a forgettable season and have already packed up shop in favor of lottery balls with the hope of the postseason out the window as Joel Embiid and Paul George have been shut down for the season. The only question left to be answered is where the 76ers will finish ahead of the NBA Lottery in May.

As of today, the 76ers have the sixth best odds at the No. 1 overall pick and they must land pick No. 1-6 to keep its selection. The best odds the 76ers could have on draft night would be the fifth best odds if they can out-tank the Brooklyn Nets, as the fourth best oddsd (New Orleans) seem to have a safe cushion as the season winds down.

However, even if the 76ers get to the fifth best odds, it is no guarantee that they keep the pick. it is up to the lottery draw, which would still have a 26.7% chance to land at No. 7, 8.7% chance to land at No. 8 and a 0.6% chance to land at No. 9.

What if it doesn't convey: The 76ers would owe the Thunder a top-four protected first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

2) Miami Heat Lottery Protected Pick

The Heat are in a similar boat as the 76ers. This season has not gone according to plan even after the messy split with Jimmy Butler. Miami has gone on the longest losing streak in the Coach Spo' era and sit No. 10 in the Eastern Conference with a 29-40 record. No No. 10 seed has survived the play-in tournament to make the playoffs, which would send Miami into the lottery and allow them to keep their pick.

The Thunder should hope the Heat land in the lottery and keep this pick for what it opens up next season.

If it doesn't convey: Miami owes Oklahoma City an unprotected 2026 first round pick.

3) Utah Jazz Top 10 Protected pick

The Utah Jazz will safely keep this selection. The Jazz have been tanking all season and will be positioned with the best odds to get the No. 1 pick (as the top 3 odds are all the same at 14%) and with the second worst record in the league can fall no lower than the No. 6 pick.

If it doesn't convey: It becomes a top 8 protected pick owed to OKC in 2026.

4) Pick Swap with the L.A. Clippers

The L.A. Clippers have managed this season better than most thought they would be able to and find themselves in the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference with a 39-30 record. While this has been a great season for the Clippers the Thunder have already clinched the No. 1 seed and will have no chance to have a better pick than the Clippers. Therefor, this swap will be executed to give the Thunder the Clippers pick and the Clippers the Thunder pick.

If the season ended today

If the season ended at this moment, the Oklahoma City Thunder would own pick No. 20 from the L.A. Clippers and No. 45 via the Atlanta Hawks. Of course, that is assuming the NBA Lottery goes chalk, which is no sure thing.

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