The tactic that Oklahoma City Thunder could use to get... Cooper Flagg! in the next Draft

Before the 2024-25 NBA season began, many experts predicted that the Oklahoma City Thunder would emerge as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. So far, they have lived up to those expectations. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the East. Ironically, the Sixers' struggles continue to benefit OKC.

Philadelphia's decision to part ways with Al Horford four years ago cost them a crucial pick in the 2025 draft. That pick could fall in favor of Oklahoma City. In fact, the Thunder could capitalize on that misfortune to acquire the standout from Duke Cooper Flagg. The 2019 trade of Paul George remains a masterpiece by Thunder GM Sam Presti. That deal brought back Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a treasure trove of draft picks. Since then, SGA has blossomed into a potential MVP, while Jalen Williams, selected with one of those picks, became an All-Star for the first time this season.

Today, that trade continues to shape the future of the Thunder. One of the remaining assets - the 2025 pick swap - could provide Presti with another golden opportunity. The 76ers currently sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With a record of 23-45, Philadelphia is dangerously close to conveying a lottery pick to the Thunder. The pick is top-six protected, meaning Philly keeps it if it falls between picks one to six. Otherwise, the Thunder will land a lottery pick, potentially as high as seventh.

For OKC, this sets up a unique scenario. They could dominate the West and add a lottery pick in the same summer. Few contending teams achieve this level of draft flexibility. Philadelphia's disastrous season puts the Thunder in a position to capitalize. If the 76ers don't improve, Presti could use that pick as the centerpiece of a major trade. Oklahoma City enters the 2025 draft with multiple first-round picks. Their arsenal includes a Miami pick, though protections could push it back to 2026. They also hold a pick swap between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Rockets are near the top of the West, diminishing the appeal of that pick. However, the Clippers could end up in the middle of the pack, giving OKC another pick in the top 20. Presti's arsenal doesn't stop there. He owns future picks from the Jazz, Nuggets, Clippers, and Mavericks. Some of these picks extend to 2029. One particularly intriguing asset is the 2027 swap with the Clippers. By then, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will likely be in decline or gone. That pick could become highly valuable.

All this draft capital gives Presti tremendous flexibility. He could go all-in for Flagg. Flagg is a versatile forward with scoring prowess, defense, and maturity. His skills fit seamlessly in OKC's up-tempo system under Mark Daigneault's guidance. Flagg could immediately become the Thunder's fourth option or even evolve into the second option behind SGA. His offensive versatility and defensive instincts make him an ideal player.

The Formula Oklahoma City Thunder Could Employ

If the 76ers' pick lands around the seventh spot, Presti could package it with other picks. The Thunder could approach the Hornets or another lottery team holding the number one pick. A bundle of five or six first-rounders could sway a rebuilding team like the Charlotte Hornets. From the Hornets' perspective, they might accept this deal for several reasons. The team could land multiple prospects instead of just one in Flagg. They could utilize part of that draft capital in a trade to accelerate the team's competitiveness. In return, OKC secures Flagg, a player who could turn this contender into a lasting dynasty.

Signing Flagg would be a masterstroke. Cooper Flagg provides the Thunder with a rookie-contract player with star potential. This helps OKC manage its payroll while keeping its title window open. SGA is hitting his stride, while Chet Holmgren and Williams continue to improve. Adding Flagg to that core makes the Thunder even more potent. Flagg could fill the long-term void as OKC's second star. The Thunder avoid overspending in free agency and maintain roster flexibility.

Presti's patient asset accumulation could culminate in Flagg joining the Thunder. If successful, the Thunder are poised for a decade of dominance. The "Sam Presti Bank" is open. Thanks to his savvy trades and meticulous planning, the Thunder are set for sustained success. The 76ers' 2025 pick could be the key to landing Flagg. If Presti pulls it off, the Thunder's dynasty could rival the likes of Michael Jordan's Bulls or Stephen Curry's Warriors.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La táctica que podría emplear Oklahoma City Thunder para hacerse con.. ¡Cooper Flagg! en el próximo Draft