Thunder trade for veteran forward Harkless

The Oklahoma City Thunder are trading guard Vit Krejci to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran forward Maurice Harkless and a 2029 second-round pick, the team announced.

Oklahoma City used the $4.9-million disabled player exception acquired from the Chet Holmgren injury to absorb Harkless' $4.5-million salary, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

The trade allows the Hawks to exit the luxury tax. Atlanta acquired Harkless in the Kevin Huerter trade with the Sacramento Kings earlier in the offseason.

The Hawks also amended the conditions on a previously traded 2025 second-round pick to the Thunder, changing it to be top-40 protected.

Krejci averaged 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 30 games during his rookie campaign with the Thunder last season.

Harkless, a nine-year veteran, averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 47 games last campaign with the Kings.