Former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort has signed a two-way NBA contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Monday morning.
Sandfort is currently with the OKC Blue G-League Affiliate, and is averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting 33.1 percent from three on the season.
Here is the definition of a two-way contract, via PandaDoc.com.
"At its core, a two-way contract is a unique agreement between a professional sports team and certain players that allows those athletes to split their playing time between a primary team and its affiliate or minor league teams. Unlike traditional contracts that bind players to either NBA teams or their G League affiliates, two-way contracts offer a flexible structure that enables players to transition seamlessly between the two leagues. This arrangement provides numerous benefits for both players and teams, paving the way for enhanced player development, increased roster flexibility, and expanded playoff opportunities & competitive environments."
Sandfort went undrafted out of Iowa this past summer following his senior season with the Hawkeyes. Sandfort battled a series of extremely difficult injuries in his final year as a Hawkeye, but still managed to fight through them and put together some monster performances in the black and gold.
In his senior season, Sandfort averaged 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists for the Hawkeyes, while shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three. He shot 38 percent from three as a junior and averaged 16.4 points per game for the Hawkeyes.
Sandfort finished his Iowa career as the 11th all-time leading scorer in program history with 1,619 points. He is now the fourth former Hawkeye currently in the NBA along with Luka Garza, Kris Murray, and Keegan Murray.
Oklahoma City is currently 47-15 on the season and hold first place in the Western Conference.
SALE: You can get anannual membership for 50% off. Take advantage now and be among the first people to know everything going on regarding Iowa football, men's and women's basketball, recruiting and much, much, more!Click Here