Trio of Undrafted Rookies Earn Two-Way Contracts Before Deadline

Three players who weren't selected in the 2025 NBA Draft have earned two-way contracts after performing well in the G League.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 6:41pm

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Three undrafted players - Keshon Gilbert, Payton Sandfort, and Chris Youngblood - have earned two-way contracts with NBA teams after strong performances in the G League. Gilbert signed with the Atlanta Hawks, Sandfort joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Youngblood moved from the Thunder to the Portland Trail Blazers. While unlikely to make a major impact, the two-way deals give these rookies a chance to showcase their skills at the NBA level and potentially earn long-term roster spots.

Why it matters

Two-way contracts provide undrafted players an opportunity to prove themselves at the NBA level and potentially earn a permanent roster spot. These signings highlight the value of the G League as a developmental system for players who were overlooked in the draft process.

The details

Keshon Gilbert, a 6'4" guard, signed a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks after averaging 16.1 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 23 G League games with the Washington Wizards' affiliate. Payton Sandfort, a 6'7" forward, joined the Oklahoma City Thunder on a two-way contract after putting up 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in the G League. Chris Youngblood, a 6'4" guard, moved from the Thunder's two-way deal to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 23.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals in the G League.

  • The NBA two-way contract deadline passed on March 5, 2026.
  • Gilbert, Sandfort and Youngblood all signed their two-way deals in the days leading up to the deadline.

The players

Keshon Gilbert

A 6'4", 210-pound guard who went undrafted in 2025 after a four-year college career that finished with two seasons at Iowa State. He is now signed to a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Payton Sandfort

A 6'7", 215-pound forward who went undrafted out of Iowa and has signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Chris Youngblood

A 6'4" guard who started his professional career on a two-way deal with the Thunder, but was moved to the G League. He has now signed a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

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What they’re saying

“We have signed guard Keshon Gilbert to a two-way contract.”

— Atlanta Hawks

The takeaway

These three undrafted rookies have earned two-way contracts, providing them an opportunity to showcase their skills at the NBA level and potentially earn permanent roster spots. Their signings highlight the value of the G League as a developmental system for players overlooked in the draft process.