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Thunder Sign Former First-Round Pick Dalen Terry
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- Thunder Sign Former First-Round Pick Dalen Terry
(Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are making another move to address their growing injury concerns, turning to former first-round pick Dalen Terry to fill their final standard roster spot.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania , Terry has agreed to a two-year deal with Oklahoma City, giving the Thunder another option as they try to navigate an increasingly difficult start to the 2026-27 season.
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The signing comes after a chaotic start to the season for the organization. Oklahoma City initially planned to sign Ochai Agbaji before stepping away from that agreement following the news that Chet Holmgren would miss 8 to 10 weeks with a small tear in his right patellar tendon.
Rather than immediately committing that roster spot, the Thunder took time to reevaluate their options. They have now settled on Terry, who brings some additional size and versatility to a roster that desperately needs healthy bodies.
Terry was originally selected 18th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2022 NBA Draft after playing two seasons at Arizona. The 6-foot-7 wing spent most of his first four NBA seasons in Chicago before finishing last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Across 48 appearances between Chicago and Philadelphia last season, Terry averaged 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. He has appeared in 218 career NBA games, averaging 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
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Those numbers aren't necessarily going to jump off the page, but Oklahoma City isn't bringing Terry in expecting him to become another scoring option overnight. The Thunder need players who can give them minutes, defend multiple positions and provide some physicality on the perimeter.
Terry has the physical tools to potentially help in those areas. He's a relatively long wing with defensive versatility and the ability to contribute without needing the basketball in his hands. Those are qualities that could make him a reasonable fit in Oklahoma City's system.
The timing of the signing is particularly important.
The Thunder are dealing with an injury situation that has completely changed the outlook of their opening stretch. Jalen Williams is recovering from surgery after dislocating his left ankle and fracturing his fibula. Cason Wallace underwent surgery to address a torn labrum in his left shoulder, while Holmgren is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks following treatment for a small tear in his right patellar tendon.
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That's three significant rotation pieces unavailable for extended periods, leaving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with considerably more responsibility and forcing Oklahoma City to look deeper into its roster.
The Thunder also recently lost Alex Caruso to an ankle injury, further emphasizing the need for additional perimeter depth.
Oklahoma City's original plan was to use its open roster spot on Ochai Agbaji. However, the organization backed away from that agreement after learning the extent of Holmgren's injury and decided to reconsider its options. Terry is now the alternative.
There is no guarantee Terry will immediately become a regular part of the rotation. He will have to earn those opportunities, and Oklahoma City has several young players who will also be looking to establish themselves during this stretch.
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Still, the Thunder need options. They cannot afford to enter every game with an extremely limited rotation and expect Gilgeous-Alexander to carry the entire operation.
This is also an opportunity for Terry to establish some stability in his NBA career. After moving between organizations and spending training camp with Golden State, a two-year agreement gives him an opportunity to find a home and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
Oklahoma City isn't going to solve all their injury problems with one roster move. But the Thunder are doing what they can to give themselves another capable body while waiting for some of their most important players to return.
And right now, having another option available might be more important than finding the perfect addition
