NBA Mock Trade: Thunder Acquire No. 8 Pick in 2023 NBA Draft

After dealing Bradley Beal away to the Phoenix Suns, it seems like the Washington Wizards are headed towards a busy off-season full of change. Will Dawkins, who worked under Sam Presti in Oklahoma City, was hired as the team’s general manager and immediately got to work. The Wizards don’t have much draft capital over the next few years, which is a scary place to be entering a full-on rebuild.

The Wizards have been heavily linked to Arkansas point guard Anthony Black — and if the team is dead set on starting a rebuild around Black, trading down might not even be on the table. For the sake of hypotheticals, however, Oklahoma City would be well positioned to set Washington up for the future and help Dawkins bring in extra draft capital.

To move up just four spots, the Thunder would certainly be weary of not giving up too much. Next year’s three first round picks would be on the table, as it’ll be nearly impossible to add three more prospects to Oklahoma City’s current core. Washington has little-to-no young talent on the roster outside of last year’s first round pick Johnny Davis — who struggled mightily over the course of the season.

If Washington is looking for extra draft capital, Oklahoma City can absolutely check the boxes in that department. If the Wizards are looking for a young player to take a chance on, the Thunder have multiple prospects that could fit the bill. On a rebuilding team with plenty of opportunities, a player like Tre Mann could really break out and show his true skill set.

With the eighth pick, there are a few prospects Oklahoma City could have an eye on — one being Black, the presumed Wizards prospect of choice. His size allows him to fit seamlessly onto the Thunder’s roster and offers plenty of versatility across the board. If Cam Whitmore or Jarace Walker end up slipping on draft night, Oklahoma City could make a move there, too. Taylor Hendricks makes sense in OKC’s front court and could be available at No. 8 too.

The Thunder could still snag a nice prospect at No. 12, but moving up to eight assures the team at least one of the top prospects on their draft board.

Oklahoma City’s Offer: No. 12 pick, Tre Mann, Sixers 2025 second round pick OR No. 12 pick, 2024 Utah Jazz protected first round pick

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