Miami Heat and OKC Thunder Complete Trade

It's not often that the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a trade in which they give up a draft pick rather than receiving a whole bunch, but that's the case in today's deal with the Miami Heat to acquire KZ Okpala.

The Heat say they have acquired a 2026 second-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade for KZ Okpala.

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 9, 2022

According to Stein, the Heat are sending KZ Okpala to the Thunder for a 2nd round pick in 2026. 

The 22-year-old power forward hasn't really been able to crack the Heat's rotation, in this his 3rd season since being drafted in the early 2nd round of the 2019 draft. The Heat sent three 2nd round picks to Phoenix to acquire him at that time. 

He's averaging 3.7 points and 2 rebounds in about 11 minutes per game this season, and has been out with a wrist injury since Dec. 28th. 

A Buyout Market Move

The move essentially opens up a roster spot for Miami to add a player on the buyout market who could provide a little more impact for the team as they try to hold down top spot in the Eastern Conference.  It will also allow them to promote Caleb Martin from his two-way contract.

The draft pick won't be missed by the Thunder, who have oodles of picks from trades in recent years, and this gives them a young player with some promise to take a chance on. Okpala does, however, become a restricted free agent this summer.

Photo Credit:  Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports