Overview
- Oklahoma City used its 2026 draft to add three role players: Aday Mara (No. 12), Bennett Stirtz (No. 16, acquired via trade-up from Memphis) and Otega Oweh (No. 41, acquired from Miami for draft rights and cash).
- The Thunder formally introduced the trio at a rookie press conference held on Friday, June 26, where GM Sam Presti described Mara as a rim protector and Stirtz as a secondary playmaker to complement the franchise core.
- Mara said he had minimal pre-draft contact with OKC and only interviewed the team at the combine, a reminder that draft outcomes can reflect front-office conviction as much as workouts.
- OKC paid draft capital to move up for Stirtz—reportedly surrendering future picks and a prospect—and acquired Oweh in a low-cost deal, moves that prioritize value extraction and roster fit over headline grabs.
- All three players were assigned jersey numbers and are expected to play in early July’s Salt Lake City Summer League, where the Thunder will evaluate their readiness while managing imminent offseason roster and cap decisions.