NBA Ends Investigation Into OKC Thunder's Josh Giddey Over 'Improper' Relationship

The NBA closed its investigation into Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, stemming from allegations that the 21-year-old previously engaged in a relationship with a minor.

Giddey did not miss any time related to the NBA's investigation, playing with OKC until it was handed a semifinal loss by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference playoffs last week.

PHOENIX - Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The league's decision, announced on Thursday, echoed the evidence (or lack of) revealed by the Newport Beach Police Department that cleared Giddey of culpability. According to the police department, which first launched an investigation last year and closed it in January, it found no corroborating evidence of Giddey's involvement with a minor. Rumors first appeared on social media, with photos showcasing Giddey with a young blonde woman. NBPD opted to clear Giddey of any charges assigned after its three-month investigation.

"After a thorough and exhaustive examination, we have completed our investigation into information circulating on social media involving Josh Giddey," the police department's statement read. 

"Our detectives have reviewed all of the available information and could not corroborate any criminal activity related to Mr. Giddey."

Photos of Giddey with a young woman circulated in November. Details of Giddey's encounter with the young woman in Southern California shared that OKC's rising star believed the girl to be 19 after meeting her at an 18-and-over nightclub. 

Later on, Giddey allegedly discovered her underage status and ended communications with her. She later refused to cooperate with the Newport Beach Police Department.

In his exit interview, Giddey was on the brink of emotion as he discussed his difficult season, which was marred by the controversy off the court.

"This was probably the biggest challenge I've ever gone through for a number of reasons obviously," Giddey said.

"I think (coping) mentally is the part that gets overlooked the most for any player. It's so easy for people to see what's happening on the floor but not see what happens behind the scenes and there's so much more to a person than basketball."

Amid the early-season controversy, Oklahoma City kept Giddey active in his role. The team and coach, Mark Daigneault, felt confident in their support of Giddey.

"Just with the information that we have at this point, that’s the decision that we made," the coach said, defending his young player.

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