The Thunder joins the exchange around James Harden • Basket USA

NBA – With its mountain of Draft choices, the Thunder invites itself into the exchange around James Harden. To give the Sixers a second “first round” of the Draft.

This morning, ESPN announced the transfer of James Harden to the Clippers with PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev, in exchange for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, KJ Martin, a “first round” of Draft (unprotected) in 2028, two “second rounds” of Draft, a “ swap” (exchange of Draft choices) in 2029 and another “first round” of Draft, coming from a third team. Without us knowing which team it was…

Finally, we now learn that it is Oklahoma City, which has accumulated Draft choices for years, and which can therefore calmly invite itself as a third team in the exchange.

In detail, ESPN now specifies, the Clippers offered a “swap” to the Thunder in 2027, that is to say that the two clubs will be able to exchange their choices in the first round, Oklahoma City recovering the most advantageous. In return, OKC sends a first rounder (protected) in 2026 to Philadelphia.

For Daryl Morey, recovering two “first round” Drafts when James Harden left was essential, in order to be able to use these picks in the quest for a high-level back to associate with Tyrese Maxey on the backcourt.

Perhaps the president of the Sixers will nevertheless have to wait to set up such an exchange, depending on the results of the different teams. For the moment, the choice seems limited, the possible option being perhaps Zach LaVine

while the Bulls would undoubtedly benefit from embarking on a rapid reconstruction.