With Theis gone, the Thunder now have an open roster spot. They could use it to convert Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. The two-way rookie has played well despite toe surgery likely knocking him out for the rest of the regular season. No need to risk exposing him to restricted free agency.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans traded center Daniel Theis and a 2031 second-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday for cash. The 6-foot-8 Theis has appeared in 38 games with nine starts for New Orleans this season, averaging 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.3 minutes per game.

Tonight at 8 p.m., the Pelicans continue their road trip against the Denver Nuggets. When the trade was announced, the Pelicans wrapped up shootaround and huddled up to say their goodbyes to Theis, according to The Athletic Pelicans beat reporter Will Guillory.