Sports · Basketball · 14 hrs ago
Thunder acquire Nique Clifford from Kings for two second-round picks
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings in a trade for two future second-round picks.
Clifford, a 24-year-old wing, was selected by Sacramento in the 2025 draft after the Kings traded up to take him.
He showed promise as a rookie, but he fell out of Sacramento’s rotation this season and averaged 1.6 points in limited playing time.
Injuries have left Oklahoma City short on depth, so the team is taking a low-cost chance on a player who can contribute on both ends.
Clifford has shown he can score, rebound and pass, though it is not clear how large a role he will earn.
The Thunder must clear a roster spot to add him, with Dalen Terry a possible player to waive because his deal is non-guaranteed.
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired second-year wing Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings for two future second-round picks.
The picks are Utah’s 2028 second-rounder and Minnesota’s 2030 second-rounder, both controlled by Oklahoma City.
The deal gives the injury-hit Thunder another wing option, while Clifford had fallen out of Sacramento’s rotation this season.
Clifford averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a rookie, according to ESPN.
The trade sends Clifford back to the Thunder, who selected him at No. 24 in the 2025 draft before Sacramento traded into that pick.
- Who
- The Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings; the Thunder acquired Nique Clifford.
- What
- Oklahoma City sent Sacramento two future second-round picks for Clifford.
- When
- Nov. 8, 2026.
- Where
- The deal involved the Thunder and Kings; a specific location was not stated.
- Why
- The Thunder sought wing depth amid injuries. Sacramento worked with Clifford to find a new home after he fell out of its rotation.
Thunder
Kings
Trade value
Thunder
The Thunder used two of their many second-round picks to add a potential immediate wing option.
Kings
The Kings received two future second-round picks for a player who was no longer in their rotation.
Clifford’s potential
Thunder
The Thunder can give Clifford a chance to contribute and develop.
Kings
The Kings may have concluded he no longer fit their roster; ESPN noted his NBA ceiling may be limited.
Sacramento moved into the No. 24 pick and selected Clifford after Oklahoma City had been on the clock.
The Kings traded Clifford to the Thunder for two future second-round picks.
- Player
- Nique Clifford
- Teams
- Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings
- Kings’ 2026 return
- Utah’s 2028 second-round pick and Minnesota’s 2030 second-round pick
- Clifford’s rookie season
- 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game
- Thunder’s draft surplus
- 21 future second-round picks entering the weekend, according to ESPN
9 sources
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Posts on X
The Sacramento Kings are trading Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
The injury-plagued Thunder receive a piece on the wings in Clifford -- the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NBA draft whom the Kings originally acquired via trade with Oklahoma City, and now worked collaboratively to move elsewhere. Clifford was out of the rotation for the Kings, who pick
2028 Utah pick and 2030 Minnesota second rounders go to the Kings from OKC, sources tell @TheAthletic. Those drafts are expected to be very deep.