- May 21, 2026
- 0
- 0
SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have brought Nique Clifford back into the fold, acquiring the second-year wing from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for two second-round draft picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
OKC is sending a 2028 Utah Jazz second-rounder and a 2030 Minnesota Timberwolves second-rounder to Sacramento. The Thunder originally held Clifford's draft rights before the Kings traded up to select him 24th overall in June.
Clifford, 24, never established himself in Sacramento and had fallen out of Doug Christie's rotation. The Kings clear a roster spot and add draft capital amid a 1-8 start.
The Thunder moved to address wing depth after devastating injuries to starters Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace in late October against the LA Clippers. Williams suffered a fractured left fibula and dislocated left ankle, while Wallace tore the labrum in his left shoulder. Both could miss the entire season.
Clifford is owed $3.2 million this season and $3.4 million next. Oklahoma City sits at 8-2 despite the setbacks.
Mickey's Angle: The Thunder turned a player they never wanted to keep into two future seconds, then bought low on a cheap wing when injuries struck. Smart asset management keeps their title window wide open.
Source: ESPN (also reported by CBS Sports) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.