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Thunder Draft 7-Foot Rookie, Trade Wiggins, Cut Tax Bill

6/25/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara with the No.12 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Thunder also traded guard Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta, acquiring 2030 and 2032 second-round picks and freeing a roster spot.
The trade reduced the Thunder’s projected tax penalty from $213 million to $152 million.
Entering the draft, the Thunder had 14 players under contract, including three team-option players and five big men.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s luxury-tax system, codified in the 2005-06 collective bargaining agreement with a $61.7 million threshold, was reshaped by the 2011 CBA to use incremental rates. The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls paid a tax under the early regime, and the 2026 Oklahoma City Thunder’s contract cut seeks to curb future tax liability.

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Story summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara with the No.12 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Thunder also traded guard Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta, acquiring 2030 and 2032 second-round picks and freeing a roster spot.
The trade reduced the Thunder’s projected tax penalty from $213 million to $152 million.
Entering the draft, the Thunder had 14 players under contract, including three team-option players and five big men.

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