3 Ways Nique Clifford Helps the Thunder
Amid a four-game winning streak, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a trade, trading two second-round picks for Sacramento Kings wing Nique Clifford, filling out their roster in response to their barrage of injuries.
Interestingly enough, Clifford, the former No. 24 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was originally drafted by the Thunder before they traded him to Sacramento.
It’s been a roller coaster of an NBA career thus far for Clifford. In his rookie year, he played 75 games, started 28, and flashed in the second half of his campaign, averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. He shot just 42% from the floor and 33% from deep, but showed promise as a role player in the NBA.
However, Clifford has been a non-factor so far in his second season. Only playing 6.3 minutes per game, averaging 1.6 points on 35% shooting from the floor and 12% from deep, he has fallen out of the Kings’ rotation and taken a clear step back in Doug Christie’s eyes.
Does the Thunder taking a chance on a young player who’s fallen out of the rotation with his original team sound familiar? This situation is similar, though not to the same magnitude. This move is low-risk and could be real value for Oklahoma City.
Here are three ways Clifford helps the Thunder.
Wing Depth
Following what were likely season-ending injuries to its defensive stars, Clifford’s 6-foot-5 positional size, perimeter defense, and IQ fit Oklahoma City’s system seamlessly, and he immediately adds rotational insurance and depth on the wing.
Even at full strength, the Thunder were thin and had a clear need at wing, with only Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Kenrich Williams being the only true wing defenders. Now, with this move and the addition of Micah Peavy, Oklahoma City has bolstered its wing depth with Peavy and Clifford.
Perimeter Upside
Clifford could provide another option who can generate rim pressure outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell. He has upside as a perimeter shooter off the catch-and-shoot from deep and in the midrange.
No, the numbers don’t match the eye-test when you watch his shooting mechanics. However, playing in Oklahoma City’s system, he will likely benefit from having the cleanest looks of his career, playing off the gravity of SGA, Mitchell, and Jared McCain.
Clifford Helps the Thunder With Financial Flexibility
Clifford will make $3.2 million this season and $3.4 million next season, keeping the Thunder under the second apron, while giving them an intriguing young developmental depth piece without impacting Oklahoma City financially long-term.
The addition of Clifford enables Oklahoma City to play all three of their two-way players — Brooks Barnhizer, Josh Dix, and Peavy for the maximum allowed 50 NBA games. This gives Mark Daigneault much-needed flexibility in managing his depleted rotation amid this injury crisis.
Now, with the season taking an unexpected turn due to significant injuries to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have minutes available for Clifford to develop and make an impact.
Main Image: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
