The Thunder have signed rookie center Branden Carlson to a 10-day contract, the team announced in a press release.
It’s a reunion for the two sides, as Oklahoma City waived Carlson a few days ago before his full-season salary became guaranteed.
A 25-year-old from Utah, Carlson played five college seasons for the Utes prior to going undrafted in 2024. Known for his ability to stretch the floor, Carlson initially signed a two-way deal with Toronto in July, but was cut in mid-October, a few days before the 2024/25 season began.
Carlson, who opened the season with the Raptors 905 in the G League, signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Thunder in mid-November. He only saw garbage-time action with Oklahoma City at the NBA level, logging 25 total minutes across seven outings.
However, he has been pretty productive at the NBAGL level, averaging 14.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks in eight appearances with the 905 and Oklahoma City Blue (27.9 minutes per contest). He posted a shooting line of .490/.367/.500 in those outings.
The move will ensure that Carlson remains in the Thunder’s system, at least temporarily. His G League rights are controlled by the 905, but NBA deals take precedence.