Kings trade Nique Clifford to Thunder for two second-round picks

The Sacramento Kings have traded second-year wing Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for two second-round draft picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and The Athletic's Sam Amick. The Kings will receive Utah's 2028 second-round pick and Minnesota's 2030 second-round pick, both controlled by the Thunder from previous trades.

Clifford, who was selected 24th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Thunder before his rights were traded to Sacramento, had fallen out of the Kings' rotation this season. He averaged just 6.3 minutes in eight appearances, down from 25.1 minutes per game as a rookie, when he averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

The Thunder will need to clear a roster spot to add Clifford, with Dalen Terry, who signed a non-guaranteed contract recently, noted as a potential candidate to be waived. Oklahoma City will use a trade exception to absorb Clifford's $3.26 million salary for this season.

For the Kings, the trade creates both a roster opening and financial flexibility below the luxury tax line, as they send out Clifford without receiving a player in return. The Spurs' 2027 first-round pick, which is top-16 protected and was part of the earlier trade for Clifford's rights, remains controlled by the Thunder and is expected to convey to them next year if it falls outside the protection range.

The Thunder have until November 1, 2027, to decide on exercising a $5.98 million option on Clifford for the 2028-29 season. This move means the Thunder will have Clifford and the Spurs' protected first-round pick, which they acquired previously, in exchange for two second-round picks to Sacramento.