RealGM

Utah trades
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Shelvin Mack

OKC trades
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Removal of protections on the 2018 pick owed to Utah.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=jhnqntz

Why for Utah: They move Mack for a chance at a better pick.

Why for OKC: OKC is planning on making the playoffs, so removing the protection costs them nothing and brings them a good replacement at backup PG while Payne mends.

OKC doesn't have a roster spot (actually they have one too many guys).

Also oh dear no way they unprotect a pick for Shelvin freakin Mack.

Yeah, Mack is a solid backup but no way they remove the protection on the pick for 10–20 games of him. And the roster crunch is real.

I think OKC will just roll with Semaj Christon before they give up an asset for another PG.