Oklahoma City traded Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round picks in a move that significantly reduced the Thunder’s projected payroll. The deal gives Atlanta another guard who can score and handle multiple backcourt roles.
Wiggins averaged 9.4 points per game this season and shot 35.6% from three-point range. He started 21 games for Oklahoma City this year, after starting 26 games last season during the team’s championship run.
His role shrank sharply in the playoffs, where he played just 5.8 minutes per game. Although he was on a relatively modest contract and was set to earn $9.2 million next season, the move carries major tax implications for Oklahoma City.
According to the report, the trade will save the Thunder $61 million. Instead of an expected $213 million in tax payments next season, the team is now projected to pay $152 million.