Thunder Sign Rookie Center To Second 10-Day Deal

Rookie center Branden Carlson is sticking with the Oklahoma City Thunder, signing a second 10-day contract, the team announced Monday.Branden Carlson, Thunder, NBA News

Carlson, who initially joined the Thunder on a 10-day deal that expired January 19, earned a second one with some solid play.

The undrafted free agent out of Utah spent the majority of the offseason on a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors but was waived in mid-October before the regular season began.

He later signed a non-guaranteed deal with Oklahoma City in November.

The 7-foot center had limited action during his first contract, playing just 25 minutes across seven games. However, after being waived ahead of the January 7 salary guarantee deadline, he was brought back to the Thunder and played a more significant role, appearing in all six games during his previous 10-day stint.

Carlson showcased his perimeter shooting ability, making at least one 3-pointer in each game, while averaging 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 9.3 minutes per contest, with a .529 shooting percentage from beyond the arc (9-of-17).

With Isaiah Hartenstein (left soleus strain) and Chet Holmgren (right iliac wing fracture) sidelined, Carlson will provide additional frontcourt depth for the Thunder through January 31. His 10-day deal will pay him $66,503, the rookie minimum, with Oklahoma City taking on an identical cap hit.

This contract also provides the Thunder with some flexibility ahead of the February 6 trade deadline, as it expires a week before the cutoff.

If OKC wishes to retain Carlson for the remainder of the season, it would need to sign him to a standard contract, as a player cannot be signed to a third 10-day contract.

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