Thunder notebook: Draft-night trade approved; Cole Aldrich, Morris Peterson join Thunder

Aldrich met the Thunder in Orlando for the final two games on the team's summer league schedule. He did not play Thursday, however, and will not play in today's finale. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-11 Aldrich was excited to meet some of his new teammates.

"The best thing about the team so far that I've noticed is it's just a big family," he said. "You can tell that, and everybody's just excited."

The trade couldn't be finalized until Thursday because the Thunder used salary cap space to acquire Peterson, who has one year remaining on his contract at $6.64 million. Under league rules, officials from both teams were prohibited from discussing the proposed deal.

"We are pleased to welcome Cole and Morris to the Thunder organization," said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. "Cole brings a blue-collar approach to the defensive end of the floor that complements our current core as we continue to build our team in Oklahoma City. Morris adds more shooting to our roster in addition to his professionalism and experience."

Aldrich averaged 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks as a junior at Kansas. Peterson, a 10-year veteran, holds career averages of 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 707 games with Toronto and New Orleans. The 6-foot-7 swingman is a career 37.4 percent 3-point shooter.

Weaver, Shakur shine in Thunder win

Guards Kyle Weaver and Mustafa Shakur scored 21 points apiece to lead the Thunder to its third win this week in an 80-78 victory over Orlando on Thursday. The duo combined to shoot 13-for-31 from the field while adding 14 assists, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

The Thunder rested guard James Harden and forward D.J. White, and guard Eric Maynor (wrist) and forward Serge Ibaka (ankle) sat out due to injuries.

"Mustafa got the opportunity to have the ball in his hands a lot, and I was really pleased with what he did," said Thunder summer league coach Brian Keefe.

Rise and shine

With many players, coaches, scouts and executives needing to head to Las Vegas for the start of the NBA Summer League, today's games have all been moved up several hours. It was the Thunder that got the short end of the stick.

The Thunder's summer league finale today is scheduled for 7 a.m. Oklahoma time. Keefe doesn't envision the start time having any bearing on the players' performance.

"It's on the schedule, right?" Keefe asked rhetorically. "You go play it. It's a game. It's fun. To me it's just another day."

Briefly

Former Bishop McGuinness High center Daniel Orton, the 29th overall pick by Orlando, scored four points with four rebounds in 18 minutes Thursday against the Thunder. ... During the third quarter of the Thunder's game Thursday, the Magic held a press conference in a neighboring media room to introduce free agent acquisition Chris Duhon. ... 2009 second-round pick Robert Vaden, touted as a sharp-shooter, missed all four of his 3-point attempts Thursday. He's now made just one of nine 3-point field goals this week.

By Darnell Mayberry