Doug Christie's Rotation Choices Drove Kings' Nique Clifford Trade To Thunder

The Sacramento Kings' trade of Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks "was met with great confusion and face-palming" across the NBA, writes Sam Amick at The Athletic. Team sources say coach Doug Christie's choice to limit Clifford's minutes in favor of veterans was a key factor in the trade. Christie is in the final guaranteed season of his contract with the Kings. Christie gave Zach LaVine and Malik Monk priority over Clifford and 2026 second-round pick Emanuel...