OKC trades Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins (to non-direct competitors) into other teams' cap space for future 1st round draft picks. Since Lu is on an expiring, the example here is to move up from #18 to #15 (hypothetical is Blazers beat Clippers/Warriors in Play-In) so OKC controls the #14/#15 picks in 2026. OKC drafts Yaxel Lendeborg (#14) and Brayden Burries (#15). OKC also picks up a 2027 protected 1st (hoping it falls unprotected in 2028). They decline/resign Isaiah Hartenstein to a 4/$100.8m deal that starts at $22.5m and decline/offer Kenrich Williams a 3yr league min deal (PO on 3rd year). If Kenrich declines, they offer 3/$9m non-guaranteed contract to Brandon Carlson. They also offer Cason Wallace a 5/$110m that starts at $20m.

This brings OKC's 2026/2027 payroll to $222,849,967.41, $220k below the 2nd Apron. NOTE: If OKC is okay going over the 2nd Apron next season, just keep Wiggins and draft only 1 player with the Clippers pick and trade the Philly 26 for future assets.