Just four days after being waived by the Nets, former first-round pick Dariq Whitehead has landed with a new team. The Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced that they have signed the young wing.

Whitehead, standing at 6’7″, entered the league as a highly regarded prospect. He was a consensus five-star recruit out of high school and spent one season at Duke during the 2022/23 campaign before declaring for the draft.

Selected 22nd overall by Brooklyn in 2023, he only appeared in 22 NBA games over his first two seasons, posting averages of 5.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.

Injuries have heavily impacted his early career. Before even being drafted, Whitehead underwent two surgeries on his right foot. Later, in January 2024, he needed another procedure – this time to address a stress reaction in his left shin – which prematurely ended his rookie season.

Despite his potential, the Nets decided to waive him this fall, even though his salary of $3.26 million for the upcoming season was fully guaranteed. After clearing waivers, that full amount stayed on Brooklyn’s books.

The contract he signed with the Thunder is expected to be an Exhibit 10 deal. With that structure, Whitehead could earn a bonus of up to $85,300 if he joins the Oklahoma City Blue – OKC’s G League affiliate – and remains with the team for at least 60 days.

The G League is also likely where forward Cameron Brown is headed. Brown signed with the Thunder on Thursday but was waived today to open up a roster spot for Whitehead, according to the team.

Thunder Sign Dariq Whitehead https://t.co/l8FY8lwiqB