UConn Center Donovan Clingan becomes likely target for OKC Thunder amid reports of 2 other NBA teams exploring trade

Per reports, UConn Huskies center Donovan Clingan has gathered interest from the OKC Thunder. Along with OKC, the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly expressed interest in trading up to select Clingan.

Clingan is expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, as ESPN ranks him as the third-best prospect in the NBA draft. However, the outlet believes he could drop slightly as teams in the 3-6 range have centers.

However, according to a report from ESPN, the Thunder are among the teams who have shown an interest in trading up for Clingan.

"Clingan isn't expected to drop past the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7, whom he just visited for a private workout as well. He is being discussed among teams as a possible target for the likes of Chicago, Memphis, Oklahoma City or Utah, who all might explore trading up for a player in his mold." - ESPN

In the latest ESPN mock draft, the outlet had Clingan going seventh overall to the Portland Trail Blazers. So, OKC would have to trade before the Trail Blazers to draft Clingan.

The Thunder are armed with plenty of picks as OKC has the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft and up to five first-round picks in 2025.

The first round of the 2024 NBA draft is set for June 26.

Donovan Clingan's college career

Donovan Clingan played two years at UConn and won the national championship in both years and declared for the 2024 NBA draft.

Last season, Clingan played in 35 games, starting 33. He averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.

Clingan was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 and was the 73rd-best player overall. He played high school basketball at Bristol Central in Connecticut and committed to UConn to remain at home for his college career.

Clingan also had offers from schools like Ohio State, Michigan, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Maryland, Rutgers and Georgetown.