The Oklahoma City Thunder are bringing back 7-footer Branden Carlson on a new two-way NBA deal, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Carlson, who went undrafted out of Utah in 2024, played 32 games for Oklahoma City last season while also shining with their G League affiliate, the OKC Blue. His return provides frontcourt depth and a proven contributor coming off a championship season.
After signing with the Thunder on November 16, 2024, due to injuries in the frontcourt, Carlson spent much of his rookie year moving between the NBA roster and the Blue. He was waived in early January but re-signed shortly after on consecutive 10-day contracts before earning a two-way deal in February.
The 26-year-old delivered his best NBA performance in the final regular season game against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 26 points with 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. He also made an impact earlier in the year with an 11-point, three-three-pointer outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 16.
Carlson averaged 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 7.7 minutes per game over the season, shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range. His contributions helped the Thunder secure their first NBA championship in franchise history, defeating the Indiana Pacers in seven games.
