Thunder have Aaron Wiggins to thank for Nique Clifford trade

The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired sophomore wing Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings for two second-round picks. Oklahoma City absorbed Clifford's $3.26 million salary without sending out a player or triggering the second-apron hard cap by utilizing the $9.02 million Traded Player Exception generated from Aaron Wiggins' offseason trade to the Atlanta Hawks.

Mark Nilon highlights that the move helps address Thunder depth concerns following injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. Oklahoma City also retains additional trade exceptions, including $11.3 million from Isaiah Joe and $17.7 million from Lu Dort.