NBA: Thunder could trade No. 21 overall pick to save money, says report

The Oklahoma City Thunder could trade their No. 21 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft to save money, according to a report. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Thunder "have had multiple conversations" with other teams about a trade possibility.

The Thunder trailed only the Golden State Warriors in team payroll in the 2018-19 season at $142.9 million. That amount will trigger the luxury tax. While the No. 21 pick is slotted to earn $2.1 million, paying that amount would lead to the continued luxury tax.

If they can't work out a trade, the Thunder could draft a player, such as a foreign prospect, who wouldn't join the team for a few years. That would give Oklahoma City financial relief and a building block player for the future.