Working without a first-round pick coming into Wednesday’s 2025 NBA Draft, new Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry aggressively moved to get their guy.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Sacramento traded for the 24th overall pick, where they selected Colorado State guard/wing Nique Clifford.

Sacramento traded the San Antonio 2027 first-round pick with protections, top-16 protected. If it doesn’t covey, it would become two 2027 second-rounder (Sacramento’s own and Charlotte’s).

The Sacramento Kings are trading for the No. 24 pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder and taking Nique Clifford, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025

Kings traded their protected 2027 SA first round pick (protected 1-16).

immediately rolls into two seconds in 2027 if it doesn’t not convey.

— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) June 26, 2025

Measuring in at 6’5 with a 6’8 wingspan, he spent five seasons in college, including the final two at Colorado State.

Nique Clifford averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in 35.4 minutes per game throughout his stellar 2024-25 season.

Turning 24 in February, he’s not viewed as an upside swing, but instead someone who could contribute in the near future.

His high steal and block rate speaks to his defensive versatility, capitalizing on his length, athleticism, and effort to impact that end along with on the glass.

Converting 49.6 percent of his field goal attempts last season included 37.7 percent from three. More of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, he’s an underrated playmaker as well.

Improving year after year at the collegiate level could speak to his work ethic as well.

New Kings GM Scott Perry makes his first move since taking over in Sacramento this offseason.

More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports

While the Sacramento Kings have been linked to some big names during the early stages of the offseason, it’s becoming more likely they will bring in a stop-gap option for their starting point guard vacancy.

After being linked to stars like Trae Young and Darius Garland in recent weeks, whispers grew louder over the days leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft that Sacramento might go in another direction to fill the role.

Instead of leveraging first-round picks and future flexibility for a player like Young or Garland, the Kings appear to be more comfortable with a stop-gap solution for the 2025-26 season.

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Report: Kings ‘likely leading suitor’ for Dennis Schröder in free agency

What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?

Although the Sacramento Kings do not own a first-round pick, they are in the process of preparing for June 25-26th’s 2025 NBA Draft.

Sacramento’s first-round pick was finally conveyed to Atlanta in what was the final ripple effect from the 2022 offseason trade that brought Kevin Huerter to the Kings.

While they won’t select in the first round, Sacramento owns the 42nd pick in the draft, meaning they will select at least one player on Day 2 (June 26th) of the draft.

Be sure to keep up on all Kings offseason news right here on Sactown Sports 1140, with live on-air coverage every Monday-Friday from 6 am to 6 pm PT.

Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:

Wednesday, June 25th – 2025 NBA Draft
Monday, June 30th – NBA free agent negotiations can begin
Sunday, July 6th – NBA free agents can officially sign with teams
July 10th-20th – Las Vegas NBA Summer League
August TBD – Release of 2025-26 regular season schedule
September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season

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