Waiting game ends: Huestis signs OKC contract
Josh Huestis‘ draft gamble has finally paid off.
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced they have signed the 2014 first-round draft pick to a four-year, rookie-scale contract.
Huestis was selected 29th overall in 2014 but became the first “domestic draft-and-stash” after working out a pre-draft arrangement with the Thunder to not sign his guaranteed rookie-scale deal, which would have paid him $918,000 last season. Instead, Huestis spent the season with the Thunder’s D-League affiliate, making roughly $25,000.
With Huestis signing now, he will be under the 2015 rookie scale and make $950,200 this season.
“We are excited to add Josh to our roster as he allows us to continue to increase our depth through his athleticism and versatility,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said. “Josh knows our culture and our organization as a result of his time with the Blue, and we look forward to his continued development with the Thunder.”
The four-year Stanford guard averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 44 games with the Blue last season. Huestis, a 6-foot-7 athletic swingman, is known for his defensive potential but needs to improve significantly on his perimeter shot. Huestis spent his time in the D-League primarily focusing on shooting, particularly from the corners.
Huestis has sat out most of the team’s summer activities, including summer league, because of a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the weight room in May. He is expected to be ready for training camp this fall.
The signing also put the Thunder at the roster limit with 15 guaranteed contracts.
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