Elias Vance

The Oklahoma City Thunder have bolstered their roster depth by signing former University of Iowa standout Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract, waiving guard Buddy Boeheim in a corresponding move announced on March 2, 2026. This signing fills the Thunder's third and final two-way slot just before the NBA's March 4 deadline for such contracts, allowing teams to finalize their G League affiliations. Sandfort, a 6-foot-7 forward from Waukee, Iowa, joins a Thunder team boasting the league's best record at 47-15 and holding the title of reigning NBA champions. The Thunder had shown early interest in Sandfort after the 2025 NBA Draft, securing him with an Exhibit 10 contract despite his shoulder surgery recovery. He quickly returned to action with the OKC Blue, the team's G League affiliate, exceeding expectations for his rehab timeline. Sandfort's Impressive G League Performance In 21 games (14 starts) with the OKC Blue this season, Sandfort has averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 28.4 minutes per game, demonstrating his versatility as a rookie wing. His scoring efficiency and rebounding prowess have made him a coveted addition to OKC's developmental pipeline. Storied College Career at Iowa Sandfort's journey to the NBA is rooted in a decorated tenure with the Iowa Hawkeyes. As a senior in the 2024-25 season, he started all 33 games, averaging 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 31.9 minutes. He became just the second player in program history to surpass 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 250 three-pointers, finishing his career 11th in scoring (1,619 points) and second in threes made (271). An 89.6% free-throw shooter (266 of 297), Sandfort etched his name in Iowa lore as the program's all-time leader from the line. He scored in double figures in 74 games, including 34 outings with 20-plus points, and started his final 67 contests. Honors included second-team Academic All-American and All-Big Ten third-team accolades in 2024. High school success followed him too, leading Waukee to a Class 4A state championship in 2021. What This Means for Sandfort and the Thunder Two-way contracts permit teams to roster three extra players beyond the standard 15, with athletes splitting time between the NBA squad and G League. Sandfort can play up to 50 regular-season games with OKC but is ineligible for playoffs unless converted to a standard deal by season's end. His prorated earnings for the remaining 20 games will be less than a quarter of the full-season $636,435 figure, half the league minimum. For the Thunder, this move signals long-term investment. Sandfort's sharpshooting and size fit OKC's blueprint of developing high-upside talent. Analysts suggest this could extend into the 2026-27 season, providing back-end depth amid a championship push. Boeheim, 26, signed his two-way deal on February 6 after Chris Youngblood exhausted his 50-day NBA eligibility. He may return to the OKC Blue on a G League contract to wrap up the year. Upcoming Action for Thunder and Blue The Thunder face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, while the OKC Blue hosts the South Bay Lakers on Wednesday at Paycom Center. Sandfort's addition could see him contributing soon in either venue. This signing underscores Oklahoma City Executive Vice President Sam Presti's knack for unearthing undrafted gems, keeping the Thunder ahead in the Western Conference race.

Elias Vance

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