The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Daniel Theis and a 2031 second-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for cash considerations on Wednesday.
Theis is a 32-year-old center who’s averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game this season, and he’s on an expiring $2.1-million contract.
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OKC has been short-handed at the five this season. Chet Holmgren has been out since Nov. 10 with a right iliac wing fracture, and Isaiah Hartenstein has missed 20 of the team’s 48 games.
More: Why OKC Thunder should avoid making a big splash at NBA trade deadline | Mussatto
Jan 24, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (10) rebounds the ball during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
For New Orleans, the trade is a cost-saving measure. The Pelicans were $1.4 million above the luxury tax prior to the deal. They are now below it.
OKC has now made two deals leading up to the NBA trade deadline, which is at 2 p.m. CST Thursday. It acquired the Denver Nuggets’ 2030 second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets on Monday in exchange for the Phoenix Suns’ 2029 second-round pick.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder lands Daniel Theis, draft pick in trade with Pelicans