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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Bennett Stirtz drafted No. 16 by Memphis, traded to Oklahoma City

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 8:03 PM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Bennett Stirtz drafted No. 16 by Memphis, traded to Oklahoma City
Summary

Bennett Stirtz, a native of Liberty, Missouri, was selected No. 16 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23. Shortly after being drafted, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the No. 17 pick and two second-round picks. Stirtz, a former Iowa Hawkeye, expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating the fit with the Thunder feels right. He averaged nearly 20 points per game in his senior season and earned several accolades throughout his college career, including first-team All-Big Ten honors.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Stirtz was picked No. 16 overall during the NBA Draft.
  • •He was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder shortly after.
  • •He averaged 19.84 points during his senior season.
  • •Stirtz earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2026.
  • •He previously played for Iowa and was instrumental in their Elite Eight run.
Latest Updates
  • 8:03 PMYahoo Sports — Missouri native Bennett Stirtz selected in 1st round of 2026 NBA Draft
What they're saying
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Liberty, Missouri, native Bennett Stirtz was drafted No. 16 in the 2026 NBA Draft. Here's what he said about his new team.

Related Teams & Leagues
Memphis GrizzliesOklahoma City ThunderNBABasketball

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