The Los Angeles Clippers are 15-3 since December 30th and are deliberately stopping the OKC Thunder from having a top 3 lottery pick. Adam Silver’s script is undefeated.

The OKC Thunder own the LA Clippers’ unprotected first-round draft pick for the 2026 NBA Draft, stemming from the 2019 Paul George trade. With the potential for a pick swap and other future picks from the Clippers, making it a significant asset for OKC’s rebuild, especially as the Clippers have underperformed at times, though their recent play has complicated things.

Key Details:
The Pick: OKC has the Clippers’ 2026 first-round pick, which is unprotected (meaning it won’t be a lottery-protected pick that stays with the Clippers if it lands in the top few spots).

Origin: The pick is the final major piece from the blockbuster 2019 trade that sent Paul George to the Clippers in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and other assets, including draft picks.
Significance: If the Clippers have a poor season, OKC could land another high lottery pick, adding to their already impressive young core.

Pick Swap: OKC also has the right to swap their 2026 first-rounder with the Clippers if the Clippers’ pick ends up being better, and they can also get the Houston Rockets’ pick in certain scenarios.

Current Situation (Early 2026): The Clippers’ performance has fluctuated, impacting the pick’s value; their strong play has made it less likely to be a top-tier lottery selection, while their struggles push it closer to a high lottery spot, causing concern for other teams.