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.