Thunder Sign Iowa's Sandfort
Oklahoma City Thunder signed undrafted Iowa alum Payton Sandfort to a two-way NBA contract from their G League affiliate OKC Blue. Sandfort joins a Thunder team that's been one of the league's biggest surprises this season.
A two-way contract allows players to split time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate. For Payton Sandfort, this means he can be on the Thunder's active list for up to 50 regular-season games, providing the team with roster flexibility while he continues to develop. Players on these contracts earn a higher salary when with the NBA team compared to their G League base pay. Sandfort was a prolific scorer and shooter at the University of Iowa, finishing his career as the program's all-time leader in free-throw percentage (.896) and second in 3-pointers made (271). In his senior year, he averaged 16.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, earning an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. He was also the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year as a sophomore and a third-team All-Big Ten pick as a junior. Before his recent signing, the 6-foot-7 forward was playing for the Thunder's G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, where he averaged 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. This undrafted free agent signing is seen as a low-risk, high-upside move for a Thunder organization known for its patient player development. Scouting reports praise Sandfort as one of the best pure shooters in his draft class, with a quick release and the ability to make shots from deep, drawing comparisons to players like Sam Hauser and Luke Kennard. While he's considered an intelligent player and a solid rebounder for his position, concerns remain about his athleticism and defensive capabilities against quicker NBA players. The Thunder are having a stellar season, currently sitting at the top of the Western Conference standings with a 45-15 record. They boast the league's top-rated defense and a top-four offense, establishing themselves as the defending NBA champions. Sandfort's elite shooting could address a need for the Thunder, who could benefit from additional floor spacing. While cracking a deep and talented wing rotation will be challenging, his specific skillset provides valuable depth and a different offensive dimension for a team with championship aspirations.
