Dalen Terry’s new two-year contract with the Thunder is non-guaranteed for this season and carries a team option for 2027/28, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Oklahoma City signed the 24-year-old guard earlier today after early-season injuries depleted its wing depth, and coach Mark Daigneault talked before Wednesday’s game about how Terry can help the team (Twitter video link from Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman).
“He’s someone who our front office has liked for a long time,” Daigneault said. “They liked him back when he was draft-eligible. He came in for a draft workout, so he’s somebody who’s been on their radar for a long time. I like, obviously, the physical profile. He’s got a great wing size, length and athleticism. He plays hard, good motor, on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a great transition player. He’s a great crasher on the offensive glass. He checks the boxes on activity with athleticism and a motor.”
Terry, the 18th pick in the 2022 draft, was able to land his latest opportunity two weeks into the season after being waived by Golden State last month. He was on the active roster for Wednesday’s win over Cleveland but didn’t see any playing time.
There’s more on the Thunder:
- Micah Peavywho signed a two-way contract with the team last week, was one of the first players off the bench on Wednesday, finishing with two points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes. He talked to reporters, including Martinez, about his role with the Thunder. “There’s a lot of opportunity there,” Peavy said (Twitter video link). “I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to get on the court, whatever it takes to win these games. I’ll do all of the dirty work.”
- Peavy credits Alex Caruso with helping him adjust to the team, per Josue Pavon of ClutchPoints. Peavy is also trying to learn from Caruso’s style of play. “The way he leads, the way he sees the game on the defensive end. The play he makes, the extra rebounds, the steals, stuff like that; that’s someone I did watch beforehand before getting here,” Peavy said. “And to be on the same team as him has helped a lot. I look at guys who impact games like I want to impact games, and that’s the guy I’ve been watching.”
- Jaylin Williams missed Wednesday’s game with back spasms, so rookie center Candidate Mara made his first career start alongside Isaiah Hartenstein in a double-big lineup, Martinez adds (Twitter link).
- Russell Westbrook was moved to tears after learning that the Thunder will retire his jersey in February, according to Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman. The longtime OKC star had to pause in the middle of his remarks to compose himself. “I don’t think you understand the impact you guys had on me as a 19-year-old,” he said, “because I’m coming from Los Angeles. I’m coming to a place where I don’t know anybody, I don’t have any support other than my family and friends. You guys welcomed me with open arms. That’s why I’m truly grateful.”