The OKC Thunder have given themselves zero time to sit back and appreciate their success in achieving ultimate glory. Over the week since winning the 2025 NBA Championship, they've been unbelievably busy in trying to gear up for next season and beyond.
From the NBA Draft that saw them snatch up two promising young prospects to their decision to trade last year's first-round selection Dillon Jones to the Washington Wizards, Sam Presti has not only made it clear that he's still in full-on work mode, but has reminded everyone of why he's reveared as an all-time executive.
Now, following Sunday's multiple new financial pacts shelled out to both Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell, the storied general manager has managed to make one other thing painfully obvious -- second-rounder Brooks Barnhizer is heading toward a two-way deal.
Thunder can now only sign Brooks Barnhizer to two-way contract
With their number 15 pick from the 2025 NBA Draft, Thomas Sorber, all but guaranteed to receive a full-scale deal worth somewhere in the ballpark of four-years, $22 million, with both Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell inking new, multi-year pacts, Oklahoma City is already slated to have the max number of players permited to be on a roster heading into the 2025-26 season at 15.
Unless they make some sort of trade or surprise cut, this means Brooks Barnhizer's future with the Thunder will likely be split between the varsity team and their G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, via a two-way contract.
Such a deal is a luxury that allows NBA teams to add up to three extra players to their payroll for a season, who are then permitted to play in up to 50 games with the main squad.
Barnhizer would be a worthwhile addition to the organization through these means.
The 23-year-old fits the mold that the Thunder tend to look for in a wing -- a long and lengthy defensive pest who can attack the lane and plug many wholes within the rotation.
In his final season at Northeastern, Barnhizer averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
If he can find a way to improve upon his long-range game (just a 31.0 percent shooter from deep throughout his collegiate career), Oklahoma City may wind up with yet another steal of a second-rounder on their hands.
In the meantime, they'll need to play the wait-and-see game with him spending most of his time in the development league on a two-way contract.