7:52pm: The signing is official, the Thunder announced in a press release.
12:22pm: The Thunder have bolstered their frontcourt depth by signing free agent center Bismack Biyombo for the rest of the season, reports Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). It’s a minimum-salary deal for Biyombo, per Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
A 13-year veteran, Biyombo signed a one-year, $5MM contract with the Grizzlies earlier this season to help fill in at center following Steven Adams‘ season-ending knee surgery. He started 27 of 30 games he played for the team, averaging 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 23.9 minutes per night.
Memphis originally signed Biyombo using an extra roster spot that was granted during Ja Morant‘s 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies hung onto the big man following the star guard’s return, waiving Kenneth Lofton in order to create room on the roster for him, but eventually let Biyombo go when Morant suffered a season-ending injury of his own and the team’s focus shifted away from pushing for the playoffs this season.
Biyombo, 31, will become the veteran voice among a group of Oklahoma City centers that also features second-year big men Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams. He may not play regular rotation minutes, but he’ll provide important injury insurance for a team on track to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The Thunder traded three players for Gordon Hayward on deadline day, creating two open spots on their 15-man roster which they’ve already filled by promoting Lindy Waters and signing Biyombo. The club still has one vacant two-way slot.
Yes! I was so hoping they would do this. Thad Young would really enhance the extra beef factor.
Had to do something. Obviously didn’t like any offer before the trade deadline. A front line of Williams and Chet in the playoffs isn’t going to go well. All experience and learning at this point for okc. Needed a veteran big body though.
I completely agree. They should of made a trade for a PF the same age as SGA. They had pieces to trade too. Jaylin Williams, Poku with picks for…
Typo
*return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Fixed, thanks.
Biyombo can play defensive and brings energy. Good pick up for the thunder.
I was mad the way Memphis played him especially the way they are injury struck but they were not expected to win noways. Now on a playoff team he is in a better place.
I rather have Mutombo come back on a 10 day contract than Biyombo
Mutombo’s son is coming out of a underwhelming college career next season js
I like what the thunder have been doing. I like the Flagler two way, Hayward expiring, getting rid of Micic, Mann and Bertans salaries and this. The only thing I would do is if you are completely sold on Chet as the C then try to develop Dieng at PF and Wallace at PG sixth man. Williams should be the SF. Next season sign a PF the same age as SGA and let Poku and Hayward walk
Wouldn’t it be something if Gordon Hayward “finished business” by helping OKC to a title? Anything can happen this year as multiple first round drafts have bolstered numerous weak teams. Youth and some added vet leadership may be the key.