Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder acquire KZ Okpala from the Miami Heat for a second round pick

By Rylan Stiles

KZ Okpala #11 of the Miami Heat in action against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on December 17, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KZ Okpala #11 of the Miami Heat in action against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on December 17, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The OKC Thunder have finally made a trade! Not only did they hop into the NBA Trade Deadline drama, but Sam Presti traded an NBA Draft pick! Seriously, someone inform the National Media that the Oklahoma City Thunder actually gave away a draft pick!

The Oklahoma City Thunder have sent traded the least favorable 2026 second-round pick and amended the conditions of a previously traded draft pick from the Miami Heat. The Thunder and heat will amend the 2023 first-round pick the heat had previously owed to OKC, whereas two years of protections will be eliminated. That pick will now be owed to the Thunder starting in 2025 (lottery protected) and then will convey as an unprotected First round NBA Draft Pick in 2026.

OKC Thunder acquire KZ Okpala from the Miami Heat, swap draft picks, release Mamadi Diakite

The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired KZ Okpala from the Miami Heat. Okpala is a 22-year-old power forward standing 6’8 coming in at 215 pounds. He has spent the last three seasons with the Miami Heat, playing a total of 63 games in that span. the Stanford product has not played since December 28th due to a wrist injury and is currently on an expiring deal.

Okpala offers stellar defense while averaging three points, two rebounds, and nearly an assist per game this season over the course of 21 games averaging 11 minutes per tilt. In the corner, Okpala has found success shooting 42-percent from the corner three while shooting 34-percent overall from distance.

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived Gabriel Deck earlier this season-opening up a roster spot for the team. Recently, that spot had been filled by Mamadi Diakite, who saw his ten-day deal terminated a day early to make this move happen.

With Okpala’s wrist injury, the fact he is on an expiring deal, and the Thunder’s goal of taking on salary in a two-for-one trade to boost their assets it is possible Okpala is not long for Bricktown. Though, if Sam Presti elects to keep the forward he can provide solid defense with a minute increase on a “prove it” bases for the rest of the season. Especially with the news, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will be sidelined for six weeks.

Next. NBA Trade Deadline Rumors. dark

Home/Thunder News