So the first first-round pick the Thunder could trade is 2022. The Thunder might do it, if the money worked.

The Thunder is hamstrung on draft picks. OKC has its 2019 first-round pick and can’t trade it, because of the NBA rule that forbids the trading of first-round picks in successive years. The Thunder did not have a first-round pick in 2018. The Thunder’s 2020 first-round pick goes to Philadelphia, though it is top-20 protected (which then reverts to a future second-round pick).

But that’s the problem. The money doesn’t work. The Thunder is over the salary cap, so any trade with Carmelo requires the salaries to closely match up, perhaps using a trade exception. So bringing in close to $28 million worth of salary doesn’t really help the Thunder.

Here’s an example of the dilemma. OKC might find a trade partner. Let’s say rebuilding Atlanta is willing to trade Kent Bazemore, who is making $18 million, for Carmelo. The money works because of exceptions. The Hawks might figure Carmelo will help sell tickets and they wouldn’t mind shedding Bazemore’s contract, which has two years remaining. The Thunder figures Bazemore is a well-rounded player who might enjoy playing for a playoff team. Without Carmelo’s no-trade clause, that trade could be consummated. But with Carmelo’s no-trade clause, he has veto power, and I assume he wants no part of Atlanta.

That kind of trade appears to be the only avenue for the Thunder to deal Carmelo. If the Thunder is willing to take on a contract that extends beyond next season, from a team for which Carmelo wants to play.

Ryan Anderson, for example. The Rockets have been trying to trade their sharpshooter forward, because of an onerous contract. He’ll make $20 million or so each of the next two years. The Rockets would gladly take Anderson for Carmelo, and a couple of small contracts would have to go from Houston to make the trade work.