The Oklahoma City Thunder are finalizing a trade to send guard Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for two future second-round draft picks. The transaction, reported on June 21, provides Oklahoma City with essential financial relief ahead of looming roster crunches and expensive star extensions. Atlanta will send its 2030 second-round pick and the less favorable of the 2032 Hawks or Lakers picks to complete the deal.
By moving Wiggins and his $9.2 million salary off the books for the upcoming season, the Thunder significantly reduce their luxury tax burden. The move drops Oklahoma City’s expected $213 million tax bill down to roughly $152 million while simultaneously freeing up a critical roster spot, according to NBC Sports. The trade will not become officially processed until July 6, the date the NBA’s free agent moratorium is lifted.
Atlanta will absorb Wiggins’ remaining three-year contract into an existing $11 million trade exception generated during February’s Luke Kennard trade. This financial maneuver triggers league regulations that will officially hard-cap the Hawks at the first tax apron for the upcoming season. The Hawks currently sit $9.1 million under that threshold, Sports Illustrated reported.
Wiggins’ arrival immediately crowds the wing position in Atlanta. The transaction introduces immediate questions regarding the future usage and potential upcoming roster moves involving Hawks forwards Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher.