It's already understood that the OKC Thunder have one of the most impressive collections of draft capital the league has ever seen.
As a result of Sam Presti's wheeling and dealing ways over the years, between now and 2030 Oklahoma City could find itself possessing as many as 42 total picks (collection of both first and second-rounders).
Though some of this capital may have certain restrictions attached to them such as top-five protections and conversion clauses, many are unaccompanied by these kinds of caveats, meaning, depending on the fate of the franchises these picks are attached to, OKC could realistically land some serious draft value.
This is why the recent blockbuster between the Mavericks and Lakers should be so exciting from a Thunder fan's perspective.
Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis swap could have exciting impact on Thunder
Saturday night, Los Angeles and Dallas executed one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history, as ESPN insider Shams Charania first reported that the two franchises agreed to terms on a Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis swap.
While initial reactions to the exchange were obviously geared toward the two organizations involved, the magnitude of the deal sees ripple effects expanding well beyond California and the Lone Star State.
Caught in this expansion is, in fact, the Thunder.
As a result of a mid-season deal made last year, Oklahoma City holds the right to swap picks with the Mavericks during the 2028 NBA Draft without any restrictions involved.
This means that, regardless of where Dallas falls in that year's draft order, Presti and co. will have the ability to exchange picks should it hold a higher value.
Initially, the move was considered a can-kicking transaction, as the Thunder quite literally did not have the roster space to bring aboard the players that would have come this past offseason had they kept all of their draft rights for 2024.
However, now following Luka's departure and with Davis taking his place as the franchise's centerpiece, it appears that this once afterthought exchange may actually become highly valuable.
In the short term, there's a case to be made that this swap could make Dallas a bit more of a handful for Oklahoma City to face off against.
The Mavericks bested OKC during last year's postseason due, in large, to their superior size, and adding a clear size and frontcourt upgrade in AD -- who, mind you, has also given the Thunder issues on his own throughout the years -- could make a rematch even more difficult and physically demanding for Mark Daigneault's squad.
However, in the long-run, it's apparent that the Mavs have somewhat lowered their title window, as they've essentially now exchanged the 25-year-old perennial All-Star and MVP candidate in Doncic for the 31-year-old, oft-injured star big in Davis.
By the time the 2028 draft rolls around, AD will have already turned 35 years old and, based on his contract configuration, could theoretically be off the books (holds a player option for the 2027-28 season). Doncic, meanwhile, would have only been turning 29 and, considering he'll be up for a new, long-term max extension this summer, would still likely be on the books for the foreseeable future.
In many ways, this blockbuster exchange brings a ton of uncertainty for Dallas' future, which, considering the Thunder own the right to swap with one of their future, unprotected draft picks, should be a major thrill for the franchise to see materialize.