Stephen Curry’s latest masterclass didn’t just keep the Golden State Warriors alive- it reshaped the league’s playoff picture in a way few saw coming. By eliminating the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State didn’t just end a season; they handed the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder a massive draft opportunity. And around the NBA, that outcome isn’t sitting well.

The ripple effect stems from the blockbuster deal involving Paul George. One final piece of that trade- a 2026 unprotected first-round pick- now lands in Oklahoma City’s hands. With the Clippers missing the postseason, that selection is suddenly lottery-bound, giving Sam Presti yet another premium asset to work with.

The pick won’t be as high as it once looked. The Clippers have a 1.5% chance at the number one pick. According to calculations, OKC is currently projected to land a pick between 12 and 14. The 2026 NBA draft is deep, with a pool of talent comparable to last year’s draft. Likewise, the Thunder will have a shot at deepening their young core, which already consists of some draft successes.

They didn’t just get Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from their dealings with the Clippers. The Thunder found most of their treasure in the 2022 NBA draft. They picked twice in the lottery, adding both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. They transformed into pillars of the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship last season.

OKC is the living example of building a championship core organically. Now, they have a chance to further stabilize their potential dynasty after posting their second-best regular season this year. It’s the byproduct of Sam Presti executing a masterstroke in 2019.

But it’s caused pandemonium among the fanbase. And the NBA community only sees one team responsible for shaking the future balance.

NBA fans blame the Warriors for making the Thunder more powerful

“Warriors did what they do best, disrupt the entire league,” a fan wrote upon hearing the news. At first, they did so by signing Kevin Durant in the 2016 offseason. This time, they have played into the Thunder’s favor, giving them a valuable asset. The dangerous part of it all is the Thunder’s flexibility with mid- to late-lottery picks.

They could utilize it to fill the small crevices in their roster or use it to pursue a potential blockbuster signing. Everything is on the table. And fans can’t handle the chaos caused by Stephen Curry. “Warriors just gifted OKC a lottery pick by knocking out the Clips. Presti’s Paul George trade keeps printing assets. Steph really out here building the next dynasty on his way to the links,” a fan mentioned.

Curry was the architect. He scored 35, including a clutch dagger to keep the Warriors’ season alive. The Bay melted a 13-point fourth quarter lead, making eight triples in the period.

The electric performance showcased the Warriors’ threat with Curry healthy. However, fans are more concerned with the Thunder’s potential to enhance their roster with a productive pick. “Nah Adam Silver gotta step in here,” a fan commented.

Well, there’s nothing the NBA Commissioner can do here. Everything ties back to the Thunder’s infamous 2019 trade with the Clippers.

One fan said, “Clippers GM should be thrown out on his a–. Shouldn’t have traded Harden midseason to begin”. It came at a time when the Clippers were on a hot streak, and moreover, it was unexpected to begin with.

Now, the fear is setting in. “Warriors might’ve just gifted Thunder another future star,” a fan wrote. The Thunder have a knack not only for scouting hidden gems but also for developing them into valuable players for the franchise.

But it gets worse. This won’t actually be the end of the Clippers’ dealings with the Thunder.

CBS’s Sam Quinn noted, “Gentle reminder that while the Paul George trade officially completes after the lottery pick the Clippers will send the Thunder in June, the Clippers still owe the Thunder another pick on top of that trade because of the James Harden deal. So we’re doing this all again next year!”.

That’s through a 2027 first-round swap the Thunder can use to once again jump higher in the lottery. Just to put things into context, if Philadelphia manages to get to the playoffs, the Thunder could have three picks in the first round. They will also have several selections in the 2027 NBA draft.

Sam Presti’s brilliance needs to be studied. He’s created a natural loop to keep the Thunder competitive while the team has been the top-seed for two years running.