Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 11 – NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 2 – OKC)
Without having done the research, we’re willing to bet that trading from the second pick to the eleventh would be unprecedented. In the same breath, much of what Thunder General Manager Sam Presti is doing is unprecedented.
This Thunder team has an almost unfathomable number of future first-rounders. With this deal, Presti adds to his vast collection by flipping the first pick in the draft for four first-round selections.
Arguably, none of them are likely to convey second overall. On the other hand, the Thunder give themselves incredible flexibility with this trade. Suppose they land the third pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Victor Wembenyama is the prize of that class.
Could whichever team land first turn down, say, the number three pick and six future first-round picks for the number one pick?
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Presti may be in a position to make that offer without batting an eye. This deal strengthens his ability to do so. If it happened, many Thunder fans would likely protest. Instead of looking forward to adding one of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., or Paolo Banchero next year, they’ll be looking forward to someone like Benedict Mathurin or Jeremy Sochan.
It’ll be a short-term sacrifice. Just don’t be surprised if it’s one their fans are glad to have made in the long run.
