In case it hasn't been spoiled already, the Utah Jazz will tank this season. It may not in exact same fashion as it was last season, but they are one of the NBA's worst teams, they know it, and know they can be rewarded handsomely for tanking. However, the NBA's opening night served another reminder of what's at stake for Utah: forking over a potentially golden asset to Oklahoma City.
Jazz fans should know by now that the team owes the Thunder a top-eight protected pick in 2026 because of the Derrick Favors trade. It would already be bad enough to lose a lottery pick in general, but to lose it to the defending champions, too? That would be a nightmare scenario
The Thunder sent a good reminder of just how loaded they are tonight. They beat the Houston Rockets, who are expected to be among their stiffest competition in the Western Conference this season, and they did it without Jalen Williams, who is considered their second-best player.
That Jazz pick will have plenty of special attention this season because Oklahoma City will eventually have to start paying some of their young talent, which means they will have to get rid of some of their veterans and replace them with players who can replace their production. Getting one in the lottery is the perfect way for Oklahoma City to turn itself into a dynasty (or worse, extend it).
The upside is, as long as the Jazz finish with a bottom-four record in the NBA, the pick will be safe no matter where it lands. Utah will definitely tank for the worst record possible, but as long as they don't finish with the possibility of getting the ninth pick or higher, they have nothing to worry about.
If it doesn't convey this year, the Jazz have nothing to worry about
One could worry about the ramifications of what would happen to the pick Utah would potentially owe Oklahoma City if it doesn't convey after this season. Well, worry no further, because the obligation extinguishes completely if it doesn't convey this year.
It's not like Utah didn't have enough incentive already to go for another golden lottery pick, but the possibility of giving the Thunder, a team that has remarkable success in the draft over the past several years, another opportunity to draft a fantastic player in the lottery is very scary.
Tonight, the Thunder proved that they are not slowing down with their core. Even when they likely trade the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein and/or Alex Caruso in the next year or so, they are still going to be a title contender. While the Jazz have their own future to worry about as is, the one thing they can't do is ensure OKC's remains exceptional.