Thunder make move with rookie center

After converting Ajay Mitchell from his two-way deal to a standard contract earlier Thursday, the Thunder are filling his two-way slot with Branden Carlson, as first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and later announced by the team.

Carlson went undrafted out of Utah this year after spending his five-year collegiate career there. He originally signed on with the Raptors on a two-way deal but was cut just before the season. Meanwhile, the Thunder cycled through several frontcourt depth options to begin the year, starting the year with Alex Reese on a non-guaranteed contract before moving on to Malevy Leons and finally Carlson.

While Carlson stuck around longer than Reese and Leons did, he was waived just after the New Year from his non-guaranteed contract. However, he showed enough during that time to prove he deserved another shot. The Thunder re-signed Carlson three days after waiving him, this time to a 10-day contract. With Oklahoma City down several frontcourt options due to injury, Carlson stepped up over the last month and played well. He notably scored 11 points off the bench in a blowout win over Cleveland on Jan. 16, making three threes.

The 7-footer was then signed to another 10-day contract. After players have signed two 10-day deals, teams must decide whether to sign them for the entire season or let their deal expire. The Thunder opted for the latter option at first, taking Daniel Theis in a salary dump from New Orleans. But since Carlson impressed during his time on a 10-day, the Thunder aren’t hesitating to bring him back on board for an even longer look with Theis waived and Mitchell converted.

In all, Carlson is averaging 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds this season while shooting 42.9% from three. The Thunder now have a full 18-man roster, with 15 players on standard contracts and Carlson joining Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas on two-way deals.