NBA Market: Oklahoma City Thunder strengthens just before the Trade Deadline
The best team in the league so far this regular season has chosen to upgrade the center position due to the constant injuries of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein
The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired Daniel Theis in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans this very Wednesday, February 5, 2025, before the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday, February 6. The German will now fill in the last spot on the roster, allowing them to not send any players back. The news was disclosed by the usual NBA reporter Shams Charania from ESPN.
However, the Thunder must send something back for this trade to be legal, whether it's a heavily protected pick, draft rights, or cash. That is not known at this time, and the story will be updated with information as it comes. The Pelicans have also sent the Thunder a 2031 second-round pick in this trade. This gives the Thunder two second-round picks in 2031.
The Pelicans are making this move to avoid the luxury tax in a season that has derailed since October, missing the playoffs due to constant injuries to all their key players throughout the year. On the other hand, the Thunder gain additional draft assets in the process. If Oklahoma City keeps Theis, he can provide a solid insurance policy for the Thunder's frontline, which has been plagued by injuries all season.
The objective in signing Daniel Theis
This season, Theis is averaging 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 47% from the field, 24% from three-point range, and 83% from the free-throw line. All in 38 games, nine of them as a starter. The deal gives the Thunder another option at the center position. It is a smart move, as Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have missed numerous games this season.
Holmgren has been limited to 10 games with a hip fracture, and Hartenstein to 28 with a hand fracture and a calf strain. Theis has a salary of $2.1 million, so it is likely a signing to be used as trade bait in a future deal. The draft compensation is an added bonus for OKC.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder se refuerza justo antes de la Trade Deadline
