The Oklahoma City Thunder has strategically adjusted its roster, bringing in promising young talent while managing its training camp lineup. These moves reflect the team's commitment to developing future prospects, primarily through its G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.
This roster shuffle highlights the Thunder's dual approach: identifying undrafted talent with potential for growth and carefully managing player development within its system. Both Sandfort and Lakhin represent long-term investments, with the G League serving as a crucial stepping stone for their professional careers in basketball.
Thunder Welcomes Undrafted Prospect Payton Sandfort
The Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced the addition of Payton Sandfort, an undrafted rookie wing who previously played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. This move signals a strategic adjustment to their training camp roster. Sandfort comes to the Thunder after an impressive collegiate career where he demonstrated significant scoring ability and all-around game. His signing is a clear indicator of the team's interest in nurturing emerging talent, positioning him for development within their extensive basketball ecosystem. This acquisition is part of the Thunder's broader strategy to cultivate a strong pipeline of players for both their NBA and G League teams.
Payton Sandfort, a former standout for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has officially joined the Oklahoma City Thunder's training camp roster. Last season, he started all 33 games, averaging 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 31.9 minutes per contest. Over his four years at Iowa, Sandfort participated in 134 games, evolving into a consistent starter during his junior and senior seasons. Reports following the NBA draft had already suggested that Sandfort was likely to ink an Exhibit 10 deal with Oklahoma City, a signing now confirmed. These Exhibit 10 contracts typically facilitate player movement to the G League, and Sandfort is widely anticipated to be waived before the regular season begins, subsequently joining the Oklahoma City Blue. Should he remain with the Blue for a minimum of 60 days, he stands to receive a bonus of up to 85,300 euros, underscoring the developmental nature of his contract.
Viktor Lakhin Waived to Accommodate New Signing and Future Development
To create the necessary roster spot for Payton Sandfort, the Oklahoma City Thunder waived forward Viktor Lakhin. Lakhin, who was only recently signed to a camp deal, is also expected to continue his professional journey with the Oklahoma City Blue. This decision underscores the Thunder's focus on utilizing the G League as a primary platform for player development. Despite his recent foot injury, Lakhin remains a prospect with potential, and the team aims to facilitate his recovery and growth within their system, highlighting the long-term vision behind these roster adjustments rather than immediate NBA contributions.
Viktor Lakhin, who had just secured a camp deal with the Thunder on Sunday, was subsequently waived to make room for Sandfort. Lakhin is also expected to land with the Oklahoma City Blue once the waiver process is complete. Ranked third among ESPN's 2025 undrafted prospects, Lakhin played three seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Clemson for his senior year. During his time at Clemson, he averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.5 blocks in 34 games, showcasing strong shooting percentages of 50.7% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc, and 69.6% from the free-throw line. Unfortunately, Lakhin suffered a torn tendon in his left foot in May, impacting his availability for training camp. Both Sandfort and Lakhin are currently viewed primarily as developmental candidates for the Thunder's G League system, rather than immediate contributors to the main NBA roster, emphasizing the organization's focus on long-term growth.
