Nique Clifford Is the Latest Thunder Heist That Will Trigger the NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder traded two second-round picks to the Sacramento Kings for guard and forward Nique Clifford, nba.com reported.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced the acquisition on November 8, 2026. The outgoing assets in the deal consist of a 2028 second-round draft pick from the Utah Jazz and a 2030 second-round draft pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Clifford, measuring 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, entered the league after his draft rights were acquired by the Sacramento Kings following selection as the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. During his collegiate career at Colorado State, the guard and forward averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.19 steals across 35.4 minutes per game in his final season.

Across his professional career, Clifford has appeared in 83 total games with 28 starts, averaging 7.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 23.3 minutes per contest. Following the transaction, Oklahoma City waived guard and forward Dalen Terry in a related roster move.

Clifford drew attention as one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, subsequently putting on a strong showing at the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas.

Despite logging substantial playing time during his rookie campaign, his presence on the court diminished to open the new season, and he never appeared in a G League game with Sacramento. According to Thunderous Intentions, the Oklahoma City franchise addresses depth problems stemming from a heavy injury toll this season by bringing in the former Colorado State standout.

I’m adding Nique Clifford in DEEP leagues. NOT an add in standard leagues, but I’ll be monitoring to see what his role looks like on the injury-ravaged Thunder. (OKC are remarkably 8-2.) Clifford played well for the Kings at the back end of last season, but wasn’t been able to… https://t.co/VPmkSxPR3I

— Post by @NBAFantasyBible on X

The acquisition continues a pattern of roster additions by Oklahoma City management, which previously acquired Jared McCain at the trade deadline after Philadelphia moved on from him, alongside finding contributors like Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Jaylin Williams.

Conversely, Sacramento’s historical management of young assets includes the selection of Marvin Bagley with the No. 2 pick, the trade of Tyrese Haliburton, and the waiver of Neemias Queta. Presti and the Thunder now aim to integrate Clifford into a bench rotation that previously featured McCain during their deep playoff run last season.