Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Bennett Stirtz traded to Oklahoma City Thunder after being drafted 17th

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 3:29 AM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Bennett Stirtz traded to Oklahoma City Thunder after being drafted 17th

Summary

Point guard Bennett Stirtz was selected 17th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, who then traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Stirtz, a key player in Iowa's run to the Elite Eight, becomes the first Hawkeye to be drafted in the first round since 2023. As he begins his professional career, fans from both teams have expressed their excitement on social media regarding the trade and Stirtz's potential in the NBA.

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Market Watch

•Bennett Stirtz drafted 17th by Memphis, then traded to Oklahoma City.
•Stirtz averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 assists at Iowa.
•He led the Hawkeyes to their first Elite Eight since 1987.
•This is the first first-round draft selection for Iowa since 2023.
•Stirtz joins fellow former Hawkeye Payton Sandfort in Oklahoma City.

Latest Updates

4:30 AMYahoo Sports — 2026 NBA draft: Bennett Stirtz reacts to joining OKC Thunder, plus more
3:29 AMYahoo Sports — Oklahoma City Thunder fans react to Bennett Stirtz NBA Draft night trade

What they're saying

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Here are some of the best social media reactions from Oklahoma City and Iowa basketball fans to Bennett Stirtz's No. 17 overall selection by the Thunder.
— Yahoo Sports