Basketball Players who Played for Thunder and Cavaliers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Thunder and the Cavaliers.
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp, nicknamed “Reign Man,” played primarily for the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Thunder) in the NBA. Drafted out of high school, he was the 17th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft by the SuperSonics.
Kemp was best known for his athleticism and his powerful dunks, becoming a key figure during the SuperSonics’ successful run in the 90s. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA Second Team selection.
Perhaps the pinnacle of his career came in the 1995-96 season when he helped lead the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls.
Kemp Key Stats
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics, Cavaliers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Supersonics)
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has played for numerous teams in the NBA. He was initially drafted 5th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent the first part of his career.
Green has had a journeyman career, playing for 11 different teams in his 15-year career including the Thunder, Celtics, Grizzlies, Clippers, Magic, Cavaliers, Wizards, Jazz, Rockets, Nets, and Nuggets. He was a solid contributor to the Nuggets Championship this past season.
Green’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside have allowed him to fit into various roles on different teams. He’s been both a starter and a valuable bench player throughout his career, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, and ability to defend multiple positions.
Cameron Payne
Cameron Payne was drafted 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2015 NBA Draft after two standout seasons at Murray State.
His early career was somewhat turbulent, with injuries impacting his time in Oklahoma City before he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2017. After stints with the Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Payne was out of the NBA for a brief period.
Payne resurrected his career with a solid performance in the NBA bubble in 2020 with the Phoenix Suns, showing his abilities as a scorer and playmaker off the bench. He was a key contributor to the Suns’ playoff run in the 2020-2021 season, which culminated in an NBA Finals appearance.
Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins was selected in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft as the 27th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics, where he began his career.
Perkins is best known for his time with the Celtics, where he played a crucial role as a strong and physical center. He was a part of the 2007-2008 Celtics team that won the NBA Championship.
During his career, he also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Perkins wasn’t a prolific scorer, but he made his mark as a tough rebounder and an intimidating defensive presence.
