The Denver Nuggets have engineered the first trade of the offseason. MVP Nikola Jokic’s team sends JaMychal Green to the Oklahoma City Thunder in return for a draft pick.
Like Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN reportedly, the Nuggets get the 30th pick from the Thunder in the upcoming draft. Above that, OKC will broadcast two more future second-round picks for Big Man JaMychal Green. In addition to Green, the Thunder also get the first-round pick of the Nuggets in 2027, but this is protected.
This makes Denver a prime candidate for a draft day trade as they now hold the 21st and 30th picks. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has been considered a possible trade partner for some time, as they have already allocated twelve roster spots for the coming year and are also allowed to draw on positions 2 and 12.
Additionally, OKC had over $30 million of cap space prior to the trade, allowing them to easily absorb Green. The Big Man holds a player option for 8.2 million for the coming season, according to Wojnarowski the 31-year-old is likely to pull it. Green averaged 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16 minutes for the Nuggets last year.
The deal will save the Nuggets around $20 million as they will likely have to pay the luxury tax next season. Even with the trade, they are still around 6 million above, but have now created a trade exception of 8.2 million and are a bit more flexible.
The trade at a glance
received nuggets | Thunder received |
30. Pick 2022 | JaMychal Green |
2 future second round picks | First round pick 2027 (protected) |