The NBA has seen some head-scratching trades cross the wire before, but this recent one has just about everyone wondering why it would be made.
On Friday, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the the Denver Nuggets have acquired a first-round picks in 2024, the 37th pick in the 2023 draft and 2024 second-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder’s compensation? A protected first-round pick… in 2029.
“The Nuggets are trying to maximize their championship window and this deal gives them some additional chances at low-cost contracts and trade tools. For OKC, another first-round pick deep into the future,” Woj tweeted later. “Denver still owes Oklahoma City a 2027 Top-5 protected first-round pick.”
Even with that explanation, fans are still scratching their heads over why the Thunder would sacrifice so much draft capital now for a pick they won’t see for another six years.
NBA Finals trade: The Denver Nuggets are acquiring the least favorable of Oklahoma City's first-round picks in 2024, the 37th pick in the 2023 draft and 2024 second-round pick for a protected 2029 first-round, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 9, 2023
NBA Finals trade: The Denver Nuggets are acquiring the least favorable of Oklahoma City's first-round picks in 2024, the 37th pick in the 2023 draft and 2024 second-round pick for a protected 2029 first-round, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 9, 2023
Even if this were purely based on the quality of picks being used it feels like the Thunder are getting the bad side of the deal. Giving up picks in exchange for a first-round pick that isn’t even unprotected doesn’t feel like much for the Thunder.
It’s likely that the people who pulled off the trade won’t even be around to see it bear any fruit for them if the Thunder don’t start playing more consistently in the years to come.
How would you grade this trade?
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