The Oklahoma City Thunder were in desperate need of reinforcements. With injuries taking their toll, Mark Daigneault’s side had just one vacant roster spot to fill, and they have decided to use it on Dalen Terry. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the forward has agreed to a two-year contract to provide much-needed depth in the 2025 champions’ depleted rotation.
G/F Dalen Terry has agreed on a two-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell ESPN. Terry enters his fifth NBA season after the former No. overall 18 pick spent time in Chicago and Philadelphia, and went to training camp with Golden State last month. https://t.co/JlVzvyRcC4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 3, 2026
Terry had been set to play for the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G League affiliate, after spending pre-season with the Warriors but failing to secure a place on their NBA roster. However, Oklahoma City’s injury problems have now presented him with another opportunity, as he prepares for his fifth NBA season following spells with Chicago and Philadelphia.
Terry spent the early years of his career with the Bulls after being selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. However, he struggled to establish himself in Chicago, playing a relatively limited role throughout his time with the team. After three and a half seasons, he was traded and subsequently waived, before signing a two-way contract with the 76ers that allowed him to continue his NBA career.
He now joins a team with far greater ambitions and a strong track record of developing players and getting the best out of its roster. Terry will be looking to prove that he belongs in the NBA, although earning regular minutes will not be straightforward.
The injuries to Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams, along with Alex Caruso’s ankle problem, have created opportunities for perimeter players. Terry will probably start near the bottom of the rotation, potentially behind two-way players such as Dix and Barnhizer, but he will have the chance to work his way up Daigneault’s pecking order.
All things considered, it is a surprising signing, particularly as it comes just days after the Thunder decided against signing Ochai Agbaji, despite having initially reached an agreement.
At the time, the decision appeared to be linked to Chet Holmgren’s injury, which was expected to force Oklahoma City to prioritise frontcourt depth. Instead, they have opted for another perimeter player in Terry, who is taller than Agbaji but fills a similar role on the wing.
