After just one season in the Oklahoma City Thunder organization, former Iowa basketball guard Payton Sandfort's returning player rights have been traded to the Iowa Wolves, the Minnesota Timberwolves' G League affiliate located in Des Moines, Iowa.
The full trade, which occurred at the G League level, involves the Oklahoma City Blue sending Sandfort's rights to the Iowa Wolves in exchange for the returning player rights of guard Nojel Eastern and a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA G League Draft from the Delaware Blue Coats via the Santa Cruz Warriors.
The 6-foot-7 Sandfort appeared in four games for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, averaging 8.8 points on 50.0% shooting, including 41.2% from three, and 2.5 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game.
We have acquired the returning player rights to Payton Sandfort from the @okcblue in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA G League Draft and the returning player rights to Nojel Eastern.
— Iowa Wolves (@iawolves) October 1, 2026
Details: https://t.co/qKmjTqxpMs pic.twitter.com/I9ZuO65fyZ
At the G League level, the Waukee, Iowa native also saw action in 25 games (18 starts) for the Oklahoma City Blue, tallying 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on 37.6% shooting, including 33.3% from three in 27.4 minutes per game.
During his four seasons with the Hawkeyes from 2021-25, Sandfort averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 42.0% shooting, including 35.7% from three and 89.6% from the free-throw line across 134 contests (74 starts).
As Sandfort looks to continue honing his craft and to carve out a role in the Timberwolves' organization, Hawkeye fans will have the chance to support him this upcoming season at Casey's Center in Des Moines.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa Wolves acquire returning player rights to Payton Sandfort
