The Thunder have acquired power forward KZ Okpala from the Heat in exchange for an adjustment on a draft pick, both teams announced in press releases.
In trading Okpala, instead of owing the Thunder a top-14 protected first-rounder in 2023, the Heat now owe the Thunder their own 2025 first-rounder, also top-14 protected.
“That ’23 first-rounder would have been top-14 protected for three straight seasons before becoming unprotected in 2026,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. “Now, the Heat’s ’25 first-rounder will be lottery-protected for just one year before becoming unprotected in ’26.”
Okpala, 22, is 6-foot-8 and has spent each of his first three seasons in Miami. He is averaging 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 21 appearances this season.
In a related move, the Thunder announced they have released forward Mamadi Diakite. In 13 games, Diakite is averaging 4.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
He was waived by the Bucks in September, then claimed off waivers by the Thunder. OKC then waived him in October, only to sign a 10-day deal on Jan. 21.
Diakite gave an impressive showing in the G League bubble with the Lakeland Magic last season, averaging 18.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks
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