The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA but they are facing a few injuries that need to be addressed.
With that in mind, the team just made a move to give their frontcourt more support.
According to Keith Smith, the Thunder have signed Branden Carlson, who played three games for the Raptors 905 G League team this season.
Carlson’s deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract.
This is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for Carlson. He replaced Malevy Leons, who previously replaced Alex Reese.
The Thunder are using their open roster spot to cycle through some pseudo 10 Day type of deals until actual 10 Day contracts can be signed in January. https://t.co/NOY6nmg6ip
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) November 16, 2024
During his time in the G League, Carlson averaged 14.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
It’s not clear what he can do for the Thunder or how much time he will get in games if any at all.
Oklahoma City made this move for Carlson because he is a seven-foot star who could greatly improve their size.
They will now be without Chet Holmgren for at least two months, and that will create a major hole in their lineup, especially because they are already without big man Isaiah Hartenstein.
On top of that, Jaylin Williams is also out with a hamstring injury.
In just a matter of days, the Thunder have gotten much shorter and they have had to rely on smaller players.
Despite that, the Thunder have a great thing going right now and hold an 11-2 record.
They won their third-straight game on Friday night, beating the Phoenix Suns 99-83 in the NBA Cup just days after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers.
Even with their injuries, the Thunder are still the best team in the West for now.
They are hoping this addition of Carlson will help them stay at the top of the standings.
