The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly going to waive former first-round pick Dalen Terry, a move coming less than a week after they just signed him to a deal. Talk about a brutal business decision right out of the gate for Terry, who just inked a two-year contract before this sudden turn.
Injuries Force OKC’s Hand, Reshaping the Roster on the Fly
This whole situation is a wild ride of “what ifs” and “tough breaks” for the Thunder, who are already trying to navigate an absolutely brutal start to their season thanks to a rash of injuries. You couldn’t even predict this kind of bad luck. We’re talking about Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace all getting hit, with Williams and Wallace potentially sidelined for the entire season. Can you imagine losing two starters in one game? That’s exactly what happened in their 108-101 win over the LA Clippers. ESPN reported that GM Sam Presti confirmed Williams is getting surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while Wallace is going under the knife for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both are expected to miss several months. Ouch.
To try and plug some of those gaping holes, less than a week ago, the Thunder brought in Dalen Terry, a former No. 18 overall first-round pick who’d played for Chicago and Philadelphia, and was with Golden State for training camp. Shams Charania reported Terry had agreed to a two-year deal, giving the team some much needed depth. Seemed like a solid, low-risk move, right?
Nique Clifford Arrives, Terry’s Out the Door
Well, that depth was apparently fleeting because on Sunday, the Thunder pulled off a trade with the Sacramento Kings, bringing in Nique Clifford. And to clear the 15th roster spot for Clifford, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that OKC is reportedly going to waive Terry. Just like that, his two-year deal, which was non-guaranteed, is likely history after barely a week. It’s the cold, hard reality of the NBA, especially when a team is scrambling.
The Thunder are clearly chasing players they think can genuinely step up and help them survive the loss of those three key guys. Clifford was apparently on the radar of the Lakers and Nuggets, which tells you he’s got some real upside. He’s got potential to be a quality 3-and-D player and his versatility is probably what made him so attractive to Oklahoma City. For Terry, it’s a gut punch, and he’ll have to start figuring out his next move if the Thunder truly do decide to cut ties so soon.
The Thunder are making aggressive moves as they try to patch up a roster decimated by injuries. You have to wonder if these quick, almost ruthless, decisions are going to pay off, or just add to the chaos. They’re clearly all-in on finding guys who can contribute *now* and that’s the only focus for their next game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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