Thunder Eyeing 3 March Madness Stars for 2026 NBA Draft

Oklahoma City looks to add depth and perimeter shooting to its championship roster.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:18am

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As the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder are scouting the 2026 NCAA Tournament for potential draft targets to bolster their roster. The team is focused on finding versatile, high-IQ players who can complement their star-studded starting lineup. Prospects like UConn's Braylon Mullins, Arizona's Brayden Burries, and Illinois' Keaton Wagler have caught the Thunder's eye with their shooting, playmaking, and lockdown defense.

Why it matters

The Thunder are looking to sustain their championship window by adding depth and shooting around their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. These March Madness prospects could provide the missing pieces to ensure Oklahoma City remains the NBA's premier juggernaut for years to come.

The details

The Thunder are prioritizing players who can thrive in their positionless, pass-heavy system. Braylon Mullins of UConn is a knockdown shooter who can space the floor and allow the Thunder's stars to operate. Brayden Burries of Arizona is a mature, two-way guard who can score and facilitate. Keaton Wagler of Illinois is an elite perimeter defender with 3-and-D potential.

  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament tips off in March 2026.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A standout guard for the University of Connecticut, known for his elite perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity.

Brayden Burries

A versatile guard from the University of Arizona, with a well-rounded game as both a scorer and secondary playmaker.

Keaton Wagler

A defensive-minded wing from the University of Illinois, renowned for his ability to lock down opposing players on the perimeter.

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What they’re saying

“Braylon Mullins has emerged as one of the most intriguing names for a team like Oklahoma City. That's primarily because he addresses the one thing every contender can never have enough of: elite perimeter gravity.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Brayden Burries is the kind of player who possesses a sturdy frame that allows him to absorb contact on drives and a high release point that makes his mid-range game nearly unguardable.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Keaton Wagler's ability to shut down an opponent's best player while contributing to a fluid offensive flow will be his biggest selling point. That trait that aligns perfectly with the selfless, hard-nosed identity that has turned Oklahoma City into the gold standard of the modern NBA.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Thunder will closely monitor the performance of these prospects during the 2026 NCAA Tournament, as they look to add depth and shooting to their championship roster.

The takeaway

The Thunder's scouting focus on versatile, high-IQ players who fit their system demonstrates their commitment to sustained excellence. By targeting the right complementary pieces, Oklahoma City aims to extend their championship window and cement their status as the NBA's premier dynasty.