Thunder landing Cameron Boozer in NBA Draft now more realistic than ever

The OKC Thunder may only be in possession of the 12 pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft following Sunday’s lottery fallout, but the possibility of securing a place within the top three and snatching up someone like Cameron Boozer in this year’s festivities is still more than realistic.

Soon after it was revealed where the ping pong balls had dropped, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Michael Winger, President of this year’s recipient of the top overall selection, the Washington Wizards, “told me directly” that the team will “at least consider trading down,” specifically saying that they could be open to moving back if they see multiple players they are “eager to come away with.”

Be it a just mentality or not, considering the club acquired established All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis ahead of this year’s trade deadline, it seems the front office is looking to stockpile the roster with as many quality, young, and spry supporting talents as possible in an attempt to make a playoff push as soon as next season.

It just so happens that Oklahoma City not only owns a lottery pick this year, but also the rights to the Philadelphia 76ers’ 17 overall pick courtesy of the 2020 Al Horford trade.

Not to mention, they have north of 10 first-rounders coming their way between now and 2030, meaning more picks could easily be added to sweeten the pot if needed.

Without question, Sam Presti and company should be very interested in this bit of news broken by Fischer.

Cameron Boozer is an optimal trade-up target for Thunder

In what is widely regarded as a stacked draft class, there’s a case to be made that if Oklahoma City hypothetically had the pick of the litter, a guy like Cameron Boozer would be their first choice.

Tabbed as the number one player on our very own Thunder draft big board, the big man’s fit out in the Sooner State is simply too logical, especially if they opt to part ways with Isaiah Hartenstein in an effort to try and duck under the dreaded second apron next season.

Measuring in at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, Boozer has the size to fill in at either the four or five, while his inside-out game supports the overwhelming confidence among experts that he should become a tremendous tweener big at the next level as well.

In his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils, he found himself stuffing both the stat sheet and honors cupboard, finishing with 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on 55.6 percent shooting from the floor and 39.1 percent shooting from deep while being named a Consensus first-team All-American and the National College Player of the Year.

While his lack of lateral quickness and vertical athleticism somewhat limits his potential on the less glamorous side of the ball, Boozer has enough agility and overall smarts to hold his own on defense.

Fortunately, on a team like the Thunder, which has three established All-Defensive talents and the recent runner-up for DPOY in Chet Holmgren in tow, there are more than enough players to make up for any lapses he may have on this end.

All things considered, should the Wizards seriously be considering the idea of parting ways with their number one pick, OKC should be seriously interested in making an offer, with the intention of pursuing Cam Boozer with it.