2026-27 NBA trade grades: Thunder acquire Nique Clifford from Kings

The Oklahoma City Thunder are acquiring guard Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings, reversing a trade that took place during the 2025 NBA Draft, according to ESPN and CBS Sports. During the 2025 draft, the Thunder originally held the No. 24 overall pick using a selection acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Kings moved into that slot to select Clifford. Early-season trades are rare in the NBA because roughly 29% of the league remains technically untradeable until December 15 due to summer-signed contracts. However, CBS Sports reported that injuries have ravaged the Oklahoma City roster so far this season. The Thunder initially planned to sign former first-round pick Ochai Agbaji with an open roster spot and then signed Dalen Terry to a non-guaranteed deal before ultimately deciding to waive Terry to trade for Clifford. Clifford averaged nearly 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists in March and April of last year for the Kings, and he developed as a 3-point shooter during his final two collegiate seasons at Colorado State. CBS Sports noted that Clifford features a 6-foot-8 wingspan and a high-motor, high-IQ playing style. Sacramento shifted into a rebuilding phase geared toward the development of No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., who holds the second-highest rookie usage rate in NBA history, according to CBS Sports. Clifford played 25 minutes per game last season but managed only 50 minutes across eight games this season, with perimeter minutes further squeezed by the emergence of Emanuel Sharp and Leaky Black, alongside the impending return of Keegan Murray from a sprained ankle. CBS Sports graded the trade as low risk and high reward for the Thunder while calling it the opposite for the Kings.