The Oklahoma City Thunder are continuing to refine their roster as the NBA season progresses, making a strategic move to bolster their wing depth. On Monday, the organization announced that the Thunder sign Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract. To facilitate the addition of the former University of Iowa standout, the team has officially waived guard Buddy Boeheim.
This roster shuffle highlights Oklahoma City’s ongoing commitment to identifying and developing versatile perimeter players who fit their specific system. Sandfort, a 6-foot-7 forward, brings a reputation as a high-level floor spacer and a productive rebounder, while the departure of Boeheim marks the end of his tenure within the Thunder’s developmental program.
The Impact of the Thunder Signing Payton Sandfort
By choosing to sign Payton Sandfort, the Thunder are leaning into their philosophy of prioritizing positional size and shooting. Sandfort arrives in Oklahoma City following a highly decorated collegiate career at Iowa, where he established himself as one of the most reliable scoring threats in the Big Ten conference.
During his final season with the Hawkeyes, Sandfort posted impressive statistics that made him an attractive prospect for the Thunder’s front office:
- Averaged 16.4 points per game
- Grabbed 6.6 rebounds per contest
- Shot 37.9% from beyond the three-point arc
- Recorded the first triple-double in Iowa program history
Sandfort’s ability to move without the ball and knock down shots from deep makes him an intriguing fit for Head Coach Mark Daigneault’s drive-and-kick offensive scheme. At 6-foot-7, he possesses the length to compete defensively while providing the necessary spacing for stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to operate in the paint.
Understanding the Two-Way Contract Transition
A two-way contract allows Sandfort to split his time between the Oklahoma City Thunder and their NBA G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. Under current NBA regulations, two-way players are eligible to be active for up to 50 of their team’s regular-season games. These players do not count toward the standard 15-man roster limit, providing teams with essential depth and flexibility throughout the grueling 82-game schedule.
For the Thunder, two-way spots have frequently served as a launching pad for future rotation players. The organization has a proven track record of converting these developmental deals into standard NBA contracts once a player proves their utility at the professional level. Sandfort will now have the opportunity to learn the Thunder’s defensive principles while getting significant playing time with the Blue to hone his skills.
The Departure of Buddy Boeheim
To create the roster spot for Sandfort, the Thunder had to part ways with Buddy Boeheim. The former Syracuse star and son of coaching legend Jim Boeheim had been a part of the Thunder's system, primarily contributing through his shooting prowess. While Boeheim provided a professional presence and veteran-like floor spacing in the G League, the Thunder’s front office ultimately decided to pivot toward the younger, more versatile Sandfort.
Boeheim’s release makes him a free agent, allowing him to sign with any NBA team or explore opportunities overseas. During his time in the Thunder organization, Boeheim was noted for his quick release and collegiate pedigree. His ability to stretch the floor remains a valuable asset that could see him land on another G League or training camp roster in the near future.
Oklahoma City’s Strategy for Roster Depth
The decision to sign Payton Sandfort is part of a broader strategy employed by General Manager Sam Presti. The Thunder have consistently prioritized players with high basketball IQs and the ability to play multiple positions. Sandfort’s rebounding and passing ability—highlighted by his historic triple-double at Iowa—suggest he is more than just a specialist shooter.
As the Thunder continue to compete at the top of the Western Conference standings, maintaining a deep and talented pool of reserve players is critical. While Sandfort may not see immediate high-leverage minutes in the NBA, his presence provides insurance against injuries and a fresh developmental project for one of the league’s most respected coaching staffs. This move signals that Oklahoma City is always looking to maximize the potential of every roster spot, even as the postseason approaches.
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