Thunder reacquire Nique Clifford from Kings for two picks

The Oklahoma City Thunder reacquired Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings on November 8, sending two unprotected future second-round picks to bring back the guard-forward they selected in the 2025 NBA draft. The transaction reverses the teams’ draft-night exchange of Clifford, while Oklahoma City retains the protected first-round pick Sacramento sent then.

The picks going to Sacramento are Utah’s 2028 second-round selection and Minnesota’s 2030 second-round selection, according to Sam Amick. Both were already controlled by Oklahoma City through earlier trades. Sacramento announced that neither pick is protected.

In 2025, Sacramento moved up to the 24th selection and chose Clifford after sending Oklahoma City a 2027 first-round pick belonging to the San Antonio Spurs. That pick is protected in the top 16. Oklahoma City keeps it under the new deal.

The Thunder announced the trade as injuries affected their rotation. Jalen Williams had surgery on October 28 for a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, while Cason Wallace tore the labrum in his left shoulder in the same game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Reports said the injuries would keep both players out for multiple...