Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Goes First Round in NBA Draft After OKC Trade
Former Iowa basketball star Bennett Stirtz was selected 16th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Thunder traded up to secure Stirtz, capping a remarkable journey from Division II Northwest Missouri State to the first round of the professional ranks. Stirtz found out about the trade just moments before the public, showing the unpredictable nature of draft night.
How the Oklahoma City Thunder Traded Up for Bennett Stirtz
The NBA draft is famous for its last-minute trades, and Stirtz experienced that firsthand. The Thunder sent the 17th overall pick and two future second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the 16th selection. That one-spot move allowed Oklahoma City to grab the 22-year-old guard before anyone else could.
Stirtz knew his destination just before the news broke to the rest of the world. He explained that his agent gave him a heads up right before Memphis made the pick official.