The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just add a wing on Sunday - they jumped the line on two teams that were reportedly interested in the same player.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Thunder beat out the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets in the race to land Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings. Oklahoma City sent Sacramento two second-round picks to complete the deal, using some of its stockpile of draft assets to address its recent injury issues.
Now the Thunder’s next move is purely roster math. They need to open a spot for Clifford, and Dalen Terry is the obvious name to watch. Oklahoma City had signed Terry to a multi-year deal to fill its 15th roster spot, but Scotto noted the contract was not fully guaranteed, which means he can be waived to make room.
Clifford arrives in Oklahoma City in his second NBA season after the Kings took him No. 24 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. He showed some promise as a rookie, but his role had already shrunk early this season.
The former Colorado State standout appeared in eight of Sacramento’s nine games this year and was playing just over six minutes per night. He was averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 assists while shooting 35.3 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from 3-point range.
Last season, Clifford averaged 8.6 points and shot 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. For the Thunder, the appeal is clear: a young athletic wing with a chance to step into a contending environment and contribute right away.
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Before tipoff, Aaron Gordon helped provide the kind of local touch that can turn a neutral-site game into something memorable for the home crowd. It was the sort of small moment that travels well, especially in a game like this, and it fit neatly into a night that gave Nuggets fans something extra to remember before the team and Indiana both head to Texas for their next games. [Read more 🡒]
Nikola Jokic Knows Why The Nuggets Needed Spencer Jones Back
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Nikola Jokic and coach David Adelman both pointed to the same thing after Jones rejoined the group: his value goes beyond filling a spot in the lineup. His defense helps Denver hold up on the perimeter, and his shooting and overall activity give the offense another layer, which is exactly the kind of balance the Nuggets have been missing while trying to patch together the early schedule. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Rumor Just Put Another Nuggets Player In The Spotlight
A fresh layer of intrigue has been added to the Nuggets-Warriors conversation, with Golden State insider Tim Kawakami suggesting the Warriors could have interest in a Denver player as they sort through their own roster questions. The remark did not name the player, but it was enough to put another Nuggets name in the spotlight while the Warriors continue looking at possible trade paths.
The timing only adds to the noise around Denver, because the chatter has also included speculation about Nikola Jokics future even though he has said he wants to stay with the Nuggets. No formal trade talks have been confirmed, but Golden State is clearly keeping tabs on options, and Denvers roster remains part of that larger conversation. [Read more 🡒]