Deonte Burton signs two-way contract with Oklahoma City Thunder

Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Deonte Burton (30) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Former Iowa State star Deonte Burton has signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The signing comes with the 2016 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year set to play for Oklahoma City in the Vegas Summer League this month.

Burton averaged 23.8 points. 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this past season as a member of Wonju Dongbu Promy in the Korean Basketball League. He was named the league’s MVP and led his team to the league finals.

Burton, a native of Milwaukee, became a fan favorite during his two seasons in Ames, culminating with second-team All-Big 12 honors and a Big 12 Tournament title in 2016-17. He will be the third former Cyclone currently signed to a two-way contract, joining Monte Morris (Denver) and Georges Niang (Utah).

NBA teams can carry up to two players on two-way contracts in addition to the standard 15 roster spots. Players on two-way contracts spend the majority of the season with the franchise’s G-League affiliate but are allowed to spend up to 45 days with the NBA team.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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