Thunder add Nique Clifford in Kings trade amid barrage of injuries

The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired second-year wing Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for two second-round draft picks. The move comes as Oklahoma City navigates a rash of long-term injuries to key contributors Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace.

Clifford was selected 24th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and made 28 starts as a rookie for Sacramento, but he had fallen out of the rotation early in his second season. He is expected to receive immediate playing time as a primary backup wing alongside Jared McCain in Oklahoma City.