In a thrilling development for basketball fans, the Oklahoma City Thunder has just signed a former Alabama standout, Chris Youngblood, to a two-way deal, sparking excitement and curiosity about his future in the league. But is this a strategic move or a risky gamble?
The NBA team's announcement on Saturday revealed that Youngblood, a guard with a promising college career, will join their roster on a unique contract. This two-way contract allows players to move between the NBA and its development league, the NBA G League, without the usual roster limitations. Each team can have three such players, and Youngblood will be one of them.
Here's the intriguing part: two-way players are typically paid half of the NBA's minimum salary, which for the 2025-26 season, equates to $420,000. This arrangement offers flexibility to the team and an opportunity for players like Youngblood to prove their worth.
Youngblood's journey to the Thunder is a testament to perseverance. After playing for three seasons at Kennesaw State and one at South Florida, he spent his final college year at Alabama. There, he excelled, winning the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year Award for the 2023-24 season. Despite this, he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
But Youngblood didn't give up. He showcased his talent in the NBA 2K26 Summer League, averaging impressive numbers. This performance caught the Thunder's attention, and he was given a chance to prove himself in preseason, where he delivered solid stats.
Now, as the Thunder prepares to kick off its 2025-26 season, Youngblood's journey is far from over. Will he become a breakout star, or will he fade into the background? Only time will tell. And this is the part most people miss—the behind-the-scenes struggle of players fighting for their NBA dreams.
As the defending NBA champions, the Thunder has high expectations for the upcoming season. With Youngblood on board, they add depth to their roster and a potential wildcard. But here's where it gets controversial—is giving a two-way contract to a player who went undrafted a wise move? Or is it a calculated risk that could pay off big time?
What do you think? Is Youngblood destined for greatness, or will he be a short-lived experiment? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the future of this intriguing NBA prospect!
