The Oklahoma City Thunder waived wing Dalen Terry on Sunday after acquiring a different wing (Niq Clifford) in a trade from the Sacramento Kings for a couple of second-round picks. Terry will likely go unclaimed on waivers and return to free agencyless than a week after he first signed with Oklahoma City. Terry was slated to be the centerpiece of the Santa Cruz Warriors (the Golden State Warriors G-League affiliate). It’s worth wondering if he will return to Santa Cruz if he goes unclaimed.
Terry
appeared in two games with the Thunder, recording 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers in 11 minutes. Terry’s deal with OKC was fully non-guaranteed so he will only receive a small pro-rated portion of the league minimum.
The Chicago Bulls drafted Terry with the 18th overall pick back in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arizona. He appeared in 218 games over his first four seasons, but was unable to show enough potential to convince a team to dedicate a rotation spot for him heading into this season. The Bulls had declined Terry’s fifth-year option, and dealt him to the 76ers at last year’s deadline. After failing to get an NBA deal in free agency, he joined the Warriors a series of deals over the summer.
A 6’6 wing who just turned 24, Terry remains an intriguing 3-and-D prospect. The fact that an organization as renowned for scouting and development as the Thunder was willing to give him a trial window further endorses that side of things. Nevertheless, he has averaged just 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 44.3%/31.4%/63.8% shooting in 11.2 minutes per game over his career.
