Theis started this season playing with New Orleans and opened the year as the starting center. Across his 38 appearances, he averaged 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. Theis was dealt to the Thunder in a cost-cutting move at the trade deadline and was waived shortly after. Though he reportedly had interest from NBA teams, Theis opted to return to Europe and join AS Monaco. There is still a chance that he eventually returns to the NBA, especially if he plays well overseas.

One day after they acquired Theis from the Pelicans, the Thunder waived the veteran center to free up a contract slot. They could use it to add a veteran who lands the buyout market, or they can give a standard deal to a player already under team control. As for Theis, his moving on doesn’t impact fantasy basketball.

Theis has played a small role for the Pelicans this season, but his time with them has come to an end due to a move that will put them below the luxury tax. If Theis isn’t bought out by OKC, it is unlikely that he sees the floor enough to provide any value in fantasy basketball. However, this does open the door for Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic to see a few extra minutes at center for New Orleans.

Theis has missed New Orleans’ last two games with a sprained right thumb. Due to his absence, rookie Karlo Matkovic has entered the Pelicans’ rotation as Yves Missi’s backup. There’s no need to stream Matkovic, as he’ll back up another rookie who should play most of the available minutes at center.