Nuggets, Thunder Trade Draft Picks as Denver Plays in NBA Finals, per Report

Denver is getting a head start on its offseason.

The Nuggets are two wins away from an NBA title, but the front office is always looking towards the future. So, Denver reportedly finalized its first trade of the offseason before its offseason even began.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Nuggets are trading a protected 2029 first-round pick to the Thunder for the No. 37 pick in this year’s draft, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick. Oklahoma City owns two picks in the first round next year, and they will send Denver the worse of the two in the deal.

For the Nuggets, the deal is primarily about acquiring more picks to have cheaper rookie deals as they play in their window of championship contention beyond this year. The Thunder, meanwhile, add a future pick, something that general manager Sam Presti always seems to value.

The NBA offseason begins almost immediately after the Finals ends, as the 2023 draft is scheduled for June 22, and free agency begins on June 30. Denver, meanwhile, is currently up 2–1 in the NBA Finals over the Heat, with a chance to take a 3–1 series lead on Friday night. 

Game 4 in Miami tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET.