Oklahoma City Thunder Reportedly Exploring Trade-Up Scenarios in 2025 NBA Draft to Target Impact Player, Says ESPN Analyst

The Oklahoma City Thunder have become one of the most intriguing franchises to monitor heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. After a breakout season that saw them win the Western Conference and push deep into the playoffs, Sam Presti and the Thunder front office are not resting on their recent success. According to a report from a leading ESPN analyst, Oklahoma City is actively exploring trade-up scenarios in the draft with the goal of adding another high-impact young player to their already talented roster.

The Thunder own multiple first-round picks in the coming drafts, including the No. 15 overall selection in this year’s class, which they acquired through previous trades. However, sources around the league suggest that Presti and the Thunder organization are not satisfied with staying put at No. 15. Instead, they are believed to be targeting a move into the top 10 — or potentially even higher — in order to secure a specific player they believe could complement their championship-contending core.

ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony discussed the Thunder’s draft strategy on Tuesday, stating, “Oklahoma City has been very active behind the scenes. They’re reaching out to teams in the top 10, gauging the price to move up. They have the picks, they have the young assets, and they clearly believe adding one more elite piece through the draft could take them over the top.”

The Thunder’s interest in moving up aligns with their aggressive philosophy over the last several years. Under Presti’s leadership, Oklahoma City has masterfully executed one of the most impressive rebuilds in recent NBA history. After parting ways with franchise icons Russell Westbrook and Paul George in 2019, the Thunder accumulated a historic number of future draft picks while also developing a formidable group of young stars led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey.

The team’s ability to maximize both player development and draft capital has placed them in a unique position of strength. They are not only a playoff-caliber team but also possess enough assets to be aggressive on draft night or in future trade negotiations. Many believe this summer is the time for Oklahoma City to consolidate those assets in pursuit of winning now.

League insiders have speculated about several potential targets for the Thunder if they succeed in trading up. One prominent name mentioned is Kentucky guard VJ Edgecombe, a versatile two-way player with elite scoring potential and defensive upside. Another possibility is French forward Tidjane Salaun, whose combination of size, athleticism, and floor-spacing ability could fit seamlessly alongside Holmgren and Williams in Oklahoma City’s frontcourt.

Additionally, some reports have linked the Thunder to Baylor’s Yves Missi, an athletic center whose rim protection and rebounding prowess could add depth behind Holmgren. Oklahoma City’s ability to explore multiple scenarios stems from their deep pool of draft picks, which includes not only this year’s No. 15 pick but also future first-rounders from the Clippers, Rockets, and Jazz, among others.

The Thunder’s trade-up intentions also underscore their belief that their championship window is officially open. After years of patient rebuilding, Oklahoma City’s young core has matured rapidly. Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as an MVP candidate last season, Holmgren proved he can anchor the defense despite his lean frame, and Jalen Williams has blossomed into one of the league’s most efficient and versatile wings.

Still, as seen in their playoff run, the Thunder recognize that adding more size, experience, and offensive versatility could be the difference between being a contender and becoming champions. The Western Conference remains brutally competitive, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks boasting deep, veteran rosters.

By moving up in the draft, the Thunder hope to secure a prospect who can contribute immediately but also grow with their core. It’s a strategy reminiscent of their approach last year when they traded up to acquire Cason Wallace, a defensive-minded guard with untapped offensive potential, who quickly carved out a role in their rotation.

The question remains: What will it cost Oklahoma City to execute such a move? Sources indicate that teams holding picks in the 6-10 range have received preliminary inquiries from Presti and the Thunder front office. The cost of moving up likely depends on the specific team’s priorities, but Oklahoma City’s draft war chest gives them flexibility.

For example, teams looking to rebuild may covet the Thunder’s future first-round picks, while others may be interested in young players like Ousmane Dieng or Tre Mann, both of whom have shown flashes but could be expendable in the right deal. With so many options at their disposal, the Thunder are well-positioned to engage in meaningful negotiations as draft night approaches.

Beyond the immediate draft implications, the Thunder’s aggressive stance sends a clear message to the rest of the NBA: they are no longer content to merely develop young players and accumulate assets. Oklahoma City’s front office and ownership believe the team is ready to compete at the highest level, and they are willing to make bold moves to accelerate that timeline.

The timing is logical. With Gilgeous-Alexander entering his prime and Holmgren still on a rookie contract, Oklahoma City has a unique financial window to maximize roster upgrades before future contract extensions limit their flexibility. Furthermore, the team’s recent playoff success has energized their fan base and reinforced their reputation as one of the league’s most well-run organizations.

Still, draft night trades are never guaranteed, and much will depend on how the board unfolds. The 2025 NBA Draft class, while not viewed as generational, contains several intriguing prospects with All-Star potential. For a team like Oklahoma City, already stacked with depth, the goal is to find a player who not only fits their culture but also addresses immediate roster needs.

As draft night nears, all eyes will be on Presti and the Thunder. Their track record of draft-day surprises is well-documented, from selecting Josh Giddey at No. 6 in 2021 to maneuvering for Holmgren and Wallace in subsequent years. Given their resources and ambition, it would not be shocking to see Oklahoma City once again steal the headlines with a bold trade-up move.

In a league increasingly defined by superteams and aggressive front-office maneuvers, the Thunder’s combination of patience, asset management, and readiness to strike could prove to be the blueprint for sustainable success. Whether or not they finalize a trade-up deal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Oklahoma City Thunder intend to make their presence felt on draft night — and possibly reshape the future of their franchise in the process.