The Sacramento Kings are continuing to build around their young core — and they just made a move that could pay big dividends down the line.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Kings have traded for the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and used it to select Nique Clifford, the versatile wing from Colorado State.

Clifford is a 6’6″ guard-forward hybrid with a long wingspan, defensive upside, and a smooth midrange game that caught scouts’ eyes throughout the NCAA season. He averaged 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game in his senior year — and quietly became one of the most complete two-way players in the Mountain West.

For Sacramento, it’s another smart, forward-looking move. With De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis as anchors, the Kings have lacked a dynamic perimeter defender and connective piece — Clifford may not be a star, but he could be that missing glue guy.

This also marks another solid draft-night maneuver by the OKC Thunder, who continue to flip late-first picks into future flexibility and assets as their roster becomes increasingly crowded with young talent.

Whether Clifford becomes a rotation player or more, this pick signals the Kings’ commitment to defensive versatility and roster balance — and adds another intriguing name to watch in Sacramento.