Oklahoma City Thunder: Each Toronto Raptors loss could mean good news for OKC

In addition, the Thunder possesses a first-round pick from Dallas that is protected for picks Nos. 1-20 through 2017 and unprotected in 2018. The Mavericks currently have the 13th worst record, which means it's almost a certainty the Thunder will not possess the Mavs' pick this year.

OKC also has its own first-round pick this year (currently No. 28) and Charlotte's second-round pick this year (currently No. 31).

TORONTO TRADE

As part of the James Harden trade on Oct. 27, 2012, the Thunder acquired two protected first-round draft picks from Houston via the Rockets' previous dealings with Toronto and Dallas.

OKC's pick via Toronto is protected through the 2017 NBA Draft with the following parameters:

*In 2013, the selection is protected for Nos. 1-3 and 15-30, leaving Nos. 4-14 for OKC.

*In 2014 and 2015, the selection is protected for Nos. 1 and 2 and 15-30, leaving Nos. 3-14 for the Thunder.

*In 2016 and 2017, the selection is protected for the No. 1 pick and 15-30, leaving Nos. 2-14 for OKC.

*In 2018, the selection becomes unprotected, which means the Thunder will receive the Raptors' selection regardless of where it is if it hasn't already been awarded from 2013-17.