OKC Thunder Roster Shuffle: Payton Sandfort Joins on Two-Way Deal as Buddy Boeheim Exits
By Oddixa —
The Oklahoma City Thunder have bolstered their perimeter depth by signing former Iowa standout Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract while waiving Buddy Boeheim.
Thunder Add Perimeter Spark with Payton Sandfort Signing
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to refine their roster depth, officially announcing the signing of former University of Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract. To make room for the sharpshooting rookie, the organization concurrently waived guard Buddy Boeheim.
For bettors and NBA analysts alike, this move signals OKC’s commitment to surrounding their core stars with high-volume perimeter threats. While two-way players rarely shift the needle on championship futures, they are critical components for depth during the grueling 82-game regular season and have significant implications for the NBA G League betting markets.
Who is Payton Sandfort? The Scouting Report
Sandfort arrives in Oklahoma City after a stellar collegiate career with the Hawkeyes, where he established himself as one of the premier outside shooters in the Big Ten. Standing at 6'7", Sandfort possesses the ideal size for a modern NBA wing, allowing him to shoot over smaller defenders and compete on the glass.
Key Stats and Betting Impact
During his final season at Iowa, Sandfort averaged over 16 points and nearly 7 rebounds per game. However, it is his 37.9% career shooting from beyond the arc that likely caught the eye of the Thunder front office.
From a betting perspective, Sandfort’s arrival provides OKC with a reliable floor-spacer who can fill minutes if injuries strike the main rotation. If Sandfort sees significant minutes in the NBA, his "Over/Under" on made three-pointers will be a market to watch, as he rarely hesitates to let it fly from deep.
The Two-Way Contract Structure
Under the current NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, a two-way contract allows Sandfort to spend time with both the OKC Thunder and their G League affiliate, the OKC Blue.
- Roster Flexibility: Sandfort can be active for up to 50 NBA games.
- Developmental Value: This move allows the Thunder to develop Sandfort's defensive lateral quickness—his primary scouting concern—while keeping his elite shooting in their back pocket.
For those who wager on the NBA G League, Sandfort immediately becomes a high-value target for "Player Point Totals." His ability to score in bunches makes the OKC Blue a much more dangerous offensive unit.
Moving On from Buddy Boeheim
In a corresponding move, the Thunder waived Buddy Boeheim, the son of legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. While Boeheim showed flashes of elite shooting during his time in the developmental system, he struggled to find a consistent path to the Thunder’s active roster.
Boeheim’s departure is a reminder of how competitive the OKC roster has become. The Thunder are no longer a rebuilding project looking for fliers; they are a legitimate Western Conference powerhouse. To stay on this roster, a player must offer more than just one elite skill, and the front office clearly believes Sandfort’s size and rebounding give him a higher ceiling than Boeheim.
Betting Outlook: How This Affects the Thunder
When looking at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Win Totals or Western Conference Odds, this specific move is a marginal gain. However, smart bettors look at the aggregate of these small transactions.
1. Depth for the Long Haul
OKC’s strategy is built on having interchangeable parts. If a starter like Aaron Wiggins or Isaiah Joe misses time, having a player like Sandfort who understands spacing is vital for the Thunder to cover spreads in mid-season matchups.
2. G League Dominance
The OKC Blue are often a strong play in G League moneyline markets due to the Thunder's emphasis on their affiliate program. Adding Sandfort makes the Blue one of the most dangerous offensive teams in that circuit.
3. Future Player Props
Keep an eye on Sandfort during the preseason or late-season "load management" stretches. In games where OKC rests their primary stars, Sandfort could be a "sleeper" pick for daily fantasy (DFS) and prop bets involving made triples.
Final Word
The signing of Payton Sandfort is a classic Oklahoma City move: identifying a specialist with high basketball IQ and physical length. While he may start his journey in the G League, his shooting pedigree suggests he could eventually become a rotational piece for a team with title aspirations. For now, keep him on your radar for G League totals and deep-bench DFS value.