OKC Thunder trades up to select Bennett Stirtz in NBA Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 7:01 PM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded up one spot to select Bennett Stirtz at No. 16 in the 2026 NBA Draft, sending the No. 17 pick and two future second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies. Stirtz, who averaged 19.8 points at Iowa, is expected to contribute to the Thunder's second unit after the team traded Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. General manager Sam Presti highlighted Stirtz's strong basketball feel and adaptability to different roles across his collegiate career. Stirtz aims to fill a significant gap in the Thunder's lineup and is noted for his ability to play at a high minute load during his time at Iowa.
- •Thunder trades No. 17 pick for No. 16 to select Stirtz.
- •Bennett Stirtz averaged 19.8 points at Iowa.
- •Sam Presti emphasizes Stirtz's adaptability and feel for the game.
- •Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins were traded prior to the draft.
- •Stirtz played significant minutes at Iowa, averaging 38 per game.
- 7:01 PMYahoo Sports — Sam Presti explains why OKC Thunder traded up for Bennett Stirtz
"Sam Presti explains why Oklahoma City Thunder traded up for Bennett Stirtz.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NBA•Jun 28, 2026, 2:35 AMTwo-Time NBA Blocks Leader Named Trade Target for Los Angeles Clippers
- NBA•Jun 28, 2026, 2:24 AMNBA Trade Talk: Isaiah Joe Gives Detroit Pistons A Pair Of 3-Point Specialists
- NBA•Jun 28, 2026, 2:07 AMOKC Thunder Rookies Make Press Conference Debut
- NBA•Jun 27, 2026, 10:00 PMNBA Rookie of the Year Candidates 2026: Ranking Top 5 Early Candidates
- NBA•Jun 27, 2026, 7:05 PMWill new Mavericks coach Dusty May regret passing on Aday Mara?
- NBA•Jun 27, 2026, 1:47 PMIsaiah Hartenstein Reacts to $75M Extension While Decision on Lu Dort's Future Looms
