The Thunder have added wing Payton Sandfort to their camp roster, the team’s communications staff tweets. In a corresponding move, they have waived Viktor Lakhin, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith tweets.
An undrafted rookie out of Iowa, Sandfort appeared in 33 games (all starts) for the Hawkeyes last season and averaged 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 31.9 minutes per game. Sandfort appeared in 134 games with Iowa over a four-year span and started regularly the past two seasons.
It was reported shortly after the draft that Sandfort would sign an Exhibit 10 contract with Oklahoma City and that has finally come to fruition.
It’s likely Sandfort will be waived and then join the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G League team. He would be in line for a bonus worth up to $85,300 if he stays with that club for at least 60 days.
Lakhin was signed on Sunday to a camp deal.
Lakhin, who ranked third on ESPN’s list of 2025 prospects among players who weren’t drafted, played three college seasons at Cincinnati prior to transferring to Clemson for his senior year. In 34 games for the Tigers in 2024/25, the Russian big man averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.5 blocks in 23.6 minutes per contest, with a shooting line of .507/.375/.696.
However, the 6’11” forward/center sustained a torn tendon in his left foot in May. Lahkin will also likely wind up with the Blue.