The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed former Iowa forward Payton Sandfort to a two-way contract and waived guard Buddy Boeheim, the team announced. The move continues Oklahoma City’s pattern of using its two-way slots to evaluate young talent and expand depth across both the NBA roster and its G League affiliate.
Sandfort, a standout at Iowa, brings size on the wing and a reputation as a capable perimeter shooter. At Iowa, he developed into a key offensive option, working primarily as a floor-spacing forward who could stretch defenses from beyond the arc. His combination of height and shooting touch made him one of the more notable perimeter threats in the Big Ten. The Thunder will look to see how that skill set translates against professional competition.
Under a two-way contract, Sandfort will split time between Oklahoma City and the organization’s G League team. Players on two-way deals can practice and travel with the NBA club while also logging significant minutes in the G League, where they can take on larger roles and adjust to the speed and physicality of the pro game. For the Thunder, it is an opportunity to bring Sandfort into their developmental system, introduce him to the team’s schemes on both ends of the floor, and evaluate his long-term fit.
The corresponding move sends Buddy Boeheim to waivers. Boeheim, a guard known for his outside shooting and collegiate career at Syracuse, had been vying for a roster spot and an opportunity to carve out a role. By waiving Boeheim, the Thunder open a two-way slot for Sandfort while maintaining flexibility as they shape the back end of the roster.
Oklahoma City has placed a strong emphasis in recent seasons on identifying and developing young players who can fit within its spacing- and skill-oriented approach. Adding Sandfort gives the Thunder another shooting option with size on the perimeter, while the two-way structure allows both team and player to move forward with relatively low risk and potentially high reward. As the season progresses, the organization will monitor Sandfort’s progress closely in both the NBA and G League environments, assessing how his shooting, decision-making and adaptability fit alongside the team’s established core.
