The Thunder made a small move on Sunday, but it says plenty about where the roster stands right now. Oklahoma City acquired wing Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings for two second-round picks, a low-cost deal that gives the former first-rounder a fresh start in Bricktown.
Clifford had been sliding out of Sacramento’s rotation before the trade, so the change of scenery should give him a real chance to reset. For the Thunder, though, the move also underscores something bigger: they are still searching for a way to cover for what they’ve lost with Jalen Williams out.
Clifford brings a profile that once made him intriguing at Colorado State. He showed the ability to defend, rebound and score in college, and that all-around game drew comparisons to Williams. The problem is that he has not yet turned that package into consistent production at the professional level.
That’s where Oklahoma City’s coaching staff comes in. Mark Daigneault and his group have a track record of getting more out of overlooked players, and Clifford will get a chance to prove he can be one of those success stories.
Still, even if the Thunder help him find his footing, the ceiling is different. Williams is a unique player, and this trade does not pretend otherwise.
Oklahoma City has kept winning without J-Dub, but the team’s latest addition is more of a project than a direct solution. The front office is clearly taking a calculated swing on upside, much like last season’s trade for Jared McCain.
If Clifford develops, the Thunder may have found another young piece to add to an already deep core. If not, the cost stays limited.
And Clifford will not have a clear runway. Kenrich Williams, Bennett Stirtz, and Josh Dix are all in the mix for wing minutes, so nothing is guaranteed. That makes this less of a handoff and more of a competition.
For Sam Presti, though, that’s the point. The Thunder took a shot without giving up much, and if it misses, the damage is minimal. If it hits, Oklahoma City may have another long-term piece on its hands.
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Jared McCain Is Giving The Thunder Exactly What Shai Needed
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What stood out afterward was how naturally McCain fit into the Thunders team-first rhythm, especially with the offense spreading the load around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. McCain pointed to the cohesion on both sides of the floor, and it was easy to see why this version of Oklahoma City can make life easier on its star while still forcing opponents to deal with waves of different threats. [Read more 🡒]