Iowa Wolves Acquire Forward Payton Sandfort in Trade with Oklahoma City Blue

The Iowa Wolves announced today that the team has acquired the returning player rights of forward Payton Sandfort from the Oklahoma City Blue 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.

Sandfort, 6-7, 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.

The Waukee, Iowa native also saw action in 25 games (18 starts) for the Oklahoma City Blue this past season, the NBA G League affiliate of the Thunder, tallying 10.9 points on 37.6% shooting, including 33.3% from three, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.4 minutes per game.

The 24-year-old played four seasons at the University of Iowa, appearing in 134 games (80 starts) owning career collegiate averages of 12.1 points on 42.0% shooting, including 35.7% from three and 89.6% from the free throw line, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 23.3 minutes per game. Following the 2023 season, Sandfort was named the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.

Eastern, 6-5, appeared in 103 games (38 starts) over three seasons with the Iowa Wolves, averaging 8.4 points on 48.8% shooting, including 33.1% from deep, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steal in 22.9 minutes per game.