Thunder Make Big Move, Acquire Theis and Draft Pick

The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded for center Daniel Theis and a 2031 second-round draft pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for cash.  

Theis, 32, is averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game this season. His contract, worth $2.1 million, is expiring. The Thunder have been dealing with a shortage of centers due to injuries to Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.  

For New Orleans, this trade is primarily a cost-saving move, bringing them below the luxury tax threshold.  

This marks the Thunder’s second trade before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. They previously acquired a 2030 second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets, trading away a 2029 second-round pick they had from the Phoenix Suns.

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