The OKC Thunder are truly one of the most fortunate teams currently in the association.
On top of the fact that they boast the best record at 64-14, have clinched the number one seed in the Western Conference standings for the second consecutive season, and have an elite collection of ballers headlined by the likely league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they also have one of the deepest draft asset treasure chests the game has ever seen.
Thanks to Sam Presti's wheeling and dealing ways throughout the years, Oklahoma City holds the rights to over 30 draft selections through 2031. While a large number of these rights are projected to be lower-level picks, some have the potential to become highly valuable.
Following Tuesday's bombshell news regarding the Denver Nuggets' massive shakeups, there's now a chance that the Thunder may have stumbled their way into yet another promising future selection.
Thunder could land another golden ticket with Nuggets firing spree
As first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes, Denver fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth.
Following this jaw dropping news-break, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke released in a statement that he believes such a decision "is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now."
While this move is one that could end up having many aftershock effects, there's one, in particular, that could directly involve the Thunder.
Back in June of 2022, Oklahoma City took part in a trade that saw them ship out the rights to their 30 overall pick in that year's NBA draft, along with two future second-round picks, to Denver in exchange for veteran forward JaMychal Green and the rights to their 2027 first-round.
While the Nuggets ultimately faired well following the exchange, as they went on to win their first-ever NBA title that very next year, it seems OKC may, too, wind up benefiting greatly once it's time for them to cash in.
As things currently stand, Denver holds the fourth-best record in the Western Conference and is on track to secure their sixth-straight postseason appearance. On top of this, they have a direct threat to SGA in the Most Valuable Player race, Nikola Jokic, putting forth arguably his best season to date, and the club regularly rolls out one of the most well-rounded rotations.
Yet, despite all this, it's well known that good times aren't meant to last forever.
From star players aging out (both Jokic and Aaron Gordon will be on the wrong side of 30 next season) and future salary-cap issues (on track to have the fourth-highest payroll in 2025-26) to sheer overwhelming dysfunction that comes as a result of these oddly-timed firings (the Play-In Tournament literally starts in a week), the Nuggets seem as close as they've ever been to imploding.
Add all of this to the fact that even franchise forward Michael Porter Jr. told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne earlier in the year that the Nuggets "might have to break it up" if things don't go their way in 2024-25, and the top-five protected pick the Thunder have within their possession may just become yet another golden ticket they can add to their already impressive collection.