The San Antonio Spurs currently have their hands full in the NBA Finals. However, their rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are left to sit at home after they were eliminated by the Spurs. That gives them plenty of time to scout for the upcoming NBA draft.
They are quietly biding their time until the NBA draft, where they will have the 12th, 17th, and 37th picks. In fact, according to the Oklahoman's Justin Martinez, the Thunder have worked out two potential Spurs draft targets (subscription required) Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr.
Lendeborg is considered to be the second-best power forward in this year's draft. He is terrific on both ends of the floor and perhaps one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft. Meanwhile, Johnson Jr. may be around when the Spurs pick 20th.
The Thunder may steal two top draft targets from the Spurs
The Spurs could use a young prospect at power forward, and the Thunder targeting two of the best in this year's class isn't good news. Lendeborg may be gone long before the Spurs pick, though Johnson Jr. might still be available.
He is a 6'9", high-motor power forward who can crash the glass, run the floor, roll to the basket, and defend. That would make him a terrific fit on the Spurs. However, the Thunder could technically take both Lendeborg and Johnson Jr. with the 12th and 17th picks.
After all, they could use front court help. Especially with them possibly having to say goodbye to players such as Lu Dort and Isiah Hartenstein this summer.
The Spurs may have other options in the 2026 NBA Draft
Aside from Lendeborg and Johnson Jr., the Spurs have several prospects to choose from. Better still, there are plenty of other power forward and center options.
Prospects who might be able to step in and possibly play next season. San Antonio could use a traditional four who can rebound, defend, and shoot. They already have Julian Champagnie and Carter Bryant, who could be this team's power forward rotation next season.
But having a more physical option who can set hard screens, roll to the rim, and finish through contact would be a plus. Ironically, Johnson Jr. would fit that to a T, but the Thunder seem poised to steal him away from the Spurs after having already worked him out.
