Overview
- The Iowa Wolves confirmed they obtained Payton Sandfort's returning player rights from the Oklahoma City Blue in a G League trade that sent Nojel Eastern's returning rights and a 2027 G League first-round pick (via Delaware and Santa Cruz) back to Oklahoma City's side.
- Returning player rights give the Wolves priority to sign Sandfort to their G League roster but do not equal an NBA contract or guarantee he will join the NBA club.
- Sandfort played 25 games for the Oklahoma City Blue last season, averaging 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists, and also appeared in four NBA games for the Thunder, averaging 8.8 points.
- The move is framed as a homecoming for the Waukee and University of Iowa product and would make him available to Hawkeye fans at Casey's Center if the Wolves roster him this season.
- Because the Iowa Wolves are the Minnesota Timberwolves' G League affiliate, the acquisition places Sandfort inside Minnesota's development pipeline and could increase his chances for future NBA call-ups while giving the Wolves a known perimeter forward to develop.