Thunder Acquires Daequan Cook, No. 18 Pick in NBA Draft

The move gives Oklahoma City an extra swingman off the bench and 3 first-round draft picks.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:48 am

By: News On 6

Thunder Acquires Daequan Cook, No. 18 Pick in NBA Draft

Originally Published: Jun 23, 2010 5:1 PM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired shooting guard Daequan Cook and the 18th overall pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft from the Miami Heat in exchange for the Thunder’s No. 32 pick.

The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder served as a backup with the Heat last season, averaging just five points per game. He started three games last season.

“We are pleased to add Daequan Cook to the Thunder roster,” said Thunder General Manager Sam Presti in a press release. “He will add depth and shooting to our backcourt.”

The move frees cap space for Miami, which is expected to be a major player when the NBA's free agency period begins July 1. Cook carries an expected salary cap hit of $2.16 million, according to HoopsWorld.com. With the subtraction of Cook's salary and the cost of a first-round selection, the Heat could save around $3.5 million with the trade.

Oklahoma City now holds the No. 18, No. 21 and No. 26 picks in the first round.

The Dayton, Ohio native was the 21st overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft and won the 2009 All-Star Three-Point Shootout in Phoenix.

Cook starred at Ohio State with Greg Oden and Mike Conley, Jr. before entering the NBA Draft with the duo after their freshman season.