Even with the Oklahoma City Thunder roster crammed to a maximum of seventeen spots, the franchise has remained traced to league transactions — this time in TJ Leaf.
As first reported by ESPN Senior Writer Adrian Wojnarowski, TJ Leaf is signing a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Leaf, age 23, was dealt to Oklahoma City alongside a 2027 second-round pick in November for point-guard Jalen Lecque. In Leaf’s brief stint with the Thunder, the big man docked only two preseason games tallying eight points and seven rebounds before being cut following the team’s final preseason game.
Upon original inspection, Leaf’s departure from the team came as a bit of a surprise; however, in hindsight, it’s clear to see Isaiah Roby and Kenrich Williams (likely positional battle winners) were much better options for the Thunder.
Despite Leaf being four months removed from anything Oklahoma City-related, the former Bruin still lives rent-free in the Thunder’s payroll. Leaf is currently making $4.32 million from Oklahoma City, garnering a larger salary than Lu Dort, Isaiah Roby, and Moses Brown combined ($4.28 million owed this year.)
With the signing is deemed official, Leaf will become one of three players in Oklahoma City’s system this season to be inked on a two-way deal by another team, joining guards Frank Jackson (Detroit) and Chasson Randle (Orlando) in that category.