The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to add draft picks to their ever-growing collection. The latest is a 2027 second-round selection they got for guard Hamidou Diallo in a deal with Detroit Pistons.
The Thunder announced the move over the weekend, adding that they also received forward Sviatoslav “Svi” Mykhailiuk as part of the trade.
Diallo has enjoyed a productive campaign in 2020-21, averaging a career-high 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Still, OKC is stacked on the position so it made sense for them to flip him for more assets, especially since he will be a restricted free agent next offseason.
Mykhailiuk, on the other hand, fits better in terms of needs for the Thunder. He is considered to be an athletic swingman and could be an asset for the OKC down the stretch. In 36 games this season, the 23-year-old Ukrainian averaged 6.9 points and 2.1 rebounds.
The deal works for the Pistons as well, as they believe Diallo can become an important player for them in the future. Diallo will be welcomed in Detroit by general manager Troy Weaver, who previously worked in OKC’s front office.
Diallo was initially drafted in the NBA by the Brooklyn Nets with the No. 45 pick in 2018 but got traded to the Thunder on draft night. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion in 2019.
