The Sacramento Kings confirmed on Sunday that Nique Clifford had been traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Kings have had a shocking start to the new season, winning just one of their first 10 games. They have been the worst team in the league.

Clifford only played a combined 50 minutes across eight games, and he will now be donning the colours of the OKC Thunder going forward.

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Doug Christie explains why Nique Clifford was traded to the OKC Thunder

Clifford joined the Sacramento Kings in 2025 and played 75 games in his debut season.

The 24-year-old was never a regular starter, but he was a key rotation player and finished the campaign averaging over 25 minutes per game.

This season, that number dropped to around six per game because of the competition in the roster, which, according to Kings head coach Doug Christie, is the reason why he was traded.

Speaking in a press conference on Sunday, he said before a question was even asked: “You guys know, Nique left us today. I want to wish him the absolute best.

“The ultimate professional. It’s just an honour and a privilege to work with him. It’s part of the job, it’s just part of our business, but I wish him the absolute best. He’s a great kid and a great person.”

When asked why it didn’t work out for him in Sacramento, Christie said: “It’s always about competition, you know, that’s what it is.

“Emanuel (Sharp), I thought, has played really, really good. Malik (Monk) came back. There’s a logjam in there. So that’s part of the issue, but nothing with him personally, never.”

Clifford has a chance to start afresh with the Oklahoma City Thunder now following his trade, and there is an opportunity for him to make an impact.

Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace are both injured, which should open the door for Clifford to get some minutes with his new side in the coming games.