Pelicans Trade Daniel Theis to Thunder, Avoid Luxury Tax

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The New Orleans Pelicans have traded center Daniel Theis to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN‘s Shams Charania. The move, finalized on Feb. 5, 2025, allows the Pelicans to dip below the NBA’s luxury tax threshold.

Bobby Marks of ESPN reported that the Pelicans were $1.4 million over the luxury tax before the trade. By offloading Theis and his expiring $2.1 million contract, New Orleans now sits below the tax line. Theis, 32, has averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 38 games this season.

The German-born center will join the Western Conference-leading Thunder, where he will team up with Canadian superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder, currently atop the conference standings, are bolstering their roster ahead of the playoffs.

“Pels make a move to get below the tax,” tweeted Will Guillory of The Athletic, confirming the financial implications of the deal. The trade comes as teams across the league make last-minute adjustments before the trade deadline.

Theis, a native of Salzgitter, Germany, has played for several NBA teams, including the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, before joining the Pelicans. His experience and defensive presence are expected to provide depth for the Thunder’s playoff push.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans continue to navigate their financial constraints while aiming to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The team has not disclosed any additional details about draft compensation or other assets involved in the trade.