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For the record, I don't think OKC should trade any Thunder/Rockets/Clippers picks for the No. 1 in this draft. The Heat picks could be had, though.
Here's the full story. Lots of interesting draft intel in here: https://bit.ly/3lgqHif
Let's go through some *possible* scenarios for OKC trading for the No. 1 pick...
Let’s make 2 assumptions for the purpose of this exercise
1. SGA is not on the table in any way, shape or form.
2. Any future Thunder/Clippers/Rockets picks are not on the table in any way, shape or form.
1. SGA is not on the table in any way, shape or form.
2. Any future Thunder/Clippers/Rockets picks are not on the table in any way, shape or form.
With that being said, I think the only *possible* way this gets done is with a 3-way trade that involves OKC trading Chris Paul for a top 10 pick and then flipping that top 10 pick to Minnesota.
Idea #1 - Knicks
Knicks get Chris Paul. Wolves get 2 wings, No. 8 and 2 future firsts. OKC gets 1 & Randle for salary purposes.
Biggest problem with this deal is if the Knicks could get No. 1 for 8 and two future firsts, they’d probably just do that & cut the Thunder out.
Knicks get Chris Paul. Wolves get 2 wings, No. 8 and 2 future firsts. OKC gets 1 & Randle for salary purposes.
Biggest problem with this deal is if the Knicks could get No. 1 for 8 and two future firsts, they’d probably just do that & cut the Thunder out.
Idea #2 - Suns
I like this one a little more. Value for Phoenix should be about right. Similar deal back for the T-Wolves.
But I’d be surprised if MIN didn’t get better offers than this. The Miami 1sts aren't lottery picks & 1 to 10 is a big jump. I think they’ll get more.
I like this one a little more. Value for Phoenix should be about right. Similar deal back for the T-Wolves.
But I’d be surprised if MIN didn’t get better offers than this. The Miami 1sts aren't lottery picks & 1 to 10 is a big jump. I think they’ll get more.
Idea #3 - Hawks
This is where we find out just how much OKC values Bazley. He was awesome in the bubble, but he’s not untouchable, imo. OKC also clears CP3’s money completely off the books.
Wolves only get 1 pick back because 1 to 6 is less of a jump back.
This is where we find out just how much OKC values Bazley. He was awesome in the bubble, but he’s not untouchable, imo. OKC also clears CP3’s money completely off the books.
Wolves only get 1 pick back because 1 to 6 is less of a jump back.
FWIW: I don't think any of these are realistic, but this is roughly what it would take for OKC to get into the ballpark.
I don't see any pathway besides a Chris Paul 3-way trade if we assume SGA & Thunder/Clipper/Rockets picks are untouchable (which they should be).
I don't see any pathway besides a Chris Paul 3-way trade if we assume SGA & Thunder/Clipper/Rockets picks are untouchable (which they should be).
This is probably a more likely version of the Suns idea. Wolves get Oubre to be a nice 3rd option & shed the James Johnson money.
