Top five two-way candidates for OKC Thunder, Chris Youngblood, Malevy Leons, Jazian Gortman, Erik Reynolds II, Payton Sandfort or Viktor Lakhin

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Chris Youngblood #40 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After winning its first NBA championship, OKC brought back all of its rotational players. It then traded Dillon Jones to the Washington Wizards to free up a spot for rookie center Thomas Sorber, who was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

But OKC also has three two-way contracts, which allow a player to suit up for both an NBA team and its G League affiliate. And with two of those spots already reserved for Branden Carlson and Brooks Barnhizer, only one remains.

Here are five candidates for OKC's final two-way contract:

Top five two-way candidates for OKC Thunder

Chris Youngblood

Chris Youngblood didn't get selected in the 2025 draft, but he was one of the top breakout players in Summer League.

The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 11 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals through eight games. He shot 49.2% from the field and 46.5% from deep.

If OKC is looking to add a 3-point specialist with its final two-way contract, Youngblood is a great option. He moves well without the ball, stays ready to shoot and boasts a quick release.

Malevy Leons

Malevy Leons was a familiar face for OKC fans in Summer League. He spent last season with the Thunder's G League affiliate, the OKC Blue.

The 6-9 forward averaged 10 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals through eight games this summer. He shot 50.9% from the field and 31.3% from deep.

If OKC is looking to add someone who'll be a seamless fit with its final two-way contract, Leons is its best bet. He has experience in the organization and prides himself on being a versatile defender, just like plenty of other Thunder players.

Jazian Gortman

Jazian Gortman is a former five-star prospect out of high school who's still finding his footing in the league. He went undrafted in 2023 and has played for three G League teams since then.

But Gortman showed flashes of his potential throughout his eight Summer League games. The 6-1 guard averaged 8.9 points, 2.1 assists and two rebounds on 46.9% shooting from the field (25% from deep).

If OKC is looking to add a downhill threat with its final two-way contract, look no further than Gortman. He fearlessly gets into the lane, where he can either finish with an acrobatic layup or kick it out to an open teammate.

Erik Reynolds II

Reynolds spent his entire four-year college career at Saint Joseph's, and he was not selected in the 2025 draft. His opportunities were also limited this summer.

Reynolds only played an average of 6.8 minutes through OKC's first seven games, but he showed what he could do during a semifinals loss to Charlotte. The 6-2 guard erupted for 16 points in 21 minutes on 5-for-12 shooting from the field (5 for 11 from deep).

The Summer League film on Reynolds is limited, but he could be a two-way candidate if OKC is looking to add a pure bucket getter. Reynolds is Saint Joseph's all-time leader in career points (2,175), made 3-pointers (350) and free-throw percentage (86.8%).

Payton Sandfort or Viktor Lakhin

I guess this makes it a top-six list, but Payton Sandfort and Viktor Lakhin are being grouped together because of their similar situations.

OKC added both undrafted rookies to its Summer League roster even though neither of them were able to play. Sandfort is recovering from a torn labrum in each shoulder, while Lakhin is recovering from a torn foot tendon.

Sandfort is a 6-7 guard who averaged 12.1 points and 4.6 rebounds on 35.7% shooting from deep throughout his four-year career at Iowa. He's a good spot-up shooter with more size than other 3-point specialists on this list such as Youngblood and Reynolds.

Lakhin is a 6-11 center who averaged 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds throughout his four-year career at Cincinnati and Clemson. He's a well-rounded big man who can protect the rim, space the floor and even do a bit of playmaking.

Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.