OKLAHOMA CITY — On Wednesday, the New Orleans Pelicans made a significant move by trading center Daniel Theis along with a second-round draft pick for 2031 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, in exchange for cash considerations.

Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Theis has contributed in 38 games this season with the Pelicans, having made nine starts. In an average of 16.3 minutes on the floor, he has generated stats of 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Theis is an experienced player, boasting an eight-year career in the NBA and hailing from Germany. Over the course of 411 games, he has maintained averages of 7.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

His transition to the Thunder comes at a crucial time as the team currently holds the best record in the Western Conference with 39 wins and just 9 losses as of Wednesday. The addition of Theis will bolster the team’s depth, especially in light of starting center Chet Holmgren’s lengthy absence due to injury. Holmgren suffered a pelvic fracture on November 10, which was anticipated to keep him sidelined for up to ten weeks. However, he has recently begun increasing his activity during practice, hinting that he could be nearing a return to the lineup.

In Holmgren’s absence, Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein have taken on the majority of the center minutes. As the Thunder were preparing to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, the team looked forward to integrating Theis into the roster.