Part of a series of roster moves, the Oklahoma City Thunder said goodbye to a couple of longtime role players this offseason. One was Aaron Wiggins. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for two future second-round picks. The cost-cutting move helped them shave off tax penalties.
Wiggins is one of OKC’s best developmental success stories ever. He was taken with the No. 55 pick of the 2021 NBA draft. Since then, he worked his way up from two-way rookie to a role player who helped them win the NBA championship in 2025. He averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in five seasons with the Thunder.
Now, Wiggins moves East. He hopes to return to a more consistent role on the Hawks. The 27-year-old was on the outside of OKC’s rotation by the end of the NBA playoffs. A fresh start made sense for both sides. The trade became official this past Monday.
‘”With the 55th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Aaron Wiggins,'” Wiggins wrote. “To the OKC fans. For the last 5 years Oklahoma City has been where I called home. You guys embraced me and my family with open arms, kindness, love and support since the beginning and for that I am forever grateful! Wearing the #21 jersey with Oklahoma City across my chest was an honor, and I’ll always be grateful for the love you showed me. To the staff, coaches and entire organization. Thank you for believing in me from day one and always pushing me to be the best player that I can be. To my teammates. Thank you for becoming family. I’ll always appreciate the memories we created! The ring that we won together is something that can never be taken away from us! As I begin this next chapter, I leave with nothing but love and appreciation! This organization and this city will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything.”
This is probably the toughest part of the NBA’s business. Eventually, you gotta say goodbye to every player who’s donned your favorite team’s jersey. Especially role players. Nothing lasts forever in the pro sports business. That said, the Thunder hit an absolute home run with Wiggins’ addition. He provided an awesome five years of production. Part of their NBA championship squad, he’ll forever be immortalized in OKC.
Aaron Wiggins pens his goodbye letter to OKC: pic.twitter.com/G49bxBs0bn
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 9, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Aaron Wiggins pens goodbye letter to OKC: ‘Thank you for everything’
