The Oklahoma City Thunder has reportedly reached an agreement to bring back forward Malevy Leons on an Exhibit 10 contract, providing the young player another pathway to join the main roster or continue refining his skills within the organization's developmental system. This move signifies the Thunder's continued interest in nurturing talent through their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, where Leons has previously demonstrated his capabilities.
Leons, a 25-year-old forward, first joined the Thunder setup after the 2024 NBA Draft, despite not being selected. While his appearances in NBA games during the 2024-25 season were limited to six contests, his impact was more profoundly felt in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue. His consistent performance there has clearly caught the attention of the Thunder's management, leading to this renewed opportunity.
During his tenure with the Oklahoma City Blue, Leons played in 34 games, where he put up impressive numbers. He averaged 10.1 points, coupled with a robust 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was also noteworthy, converting 49.6% of his field goal attempts and 35.0% from beyond the arc, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Furthermore, Leons participated in the 2025 NBA Summer League, where he maintained strong averages of 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds over five games, with a shooting percentage of 48.6%.
An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed deal that gives an NBA team the flexibility to convert it into a two-way contract before the start of the regular season. It also includes potential bonus incentives for the player if they end up playing for the team's G League affiliate. This type of agreement provides Leons with a clear incentive to perform well and potentially earn a more substantial role. Before his professional career, Leons honed his skills at Bradley University, where he earned back-to-back MVC Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024, highlighting his defensive prowess and competitive nature.
This latest signing underscores the Oklahoma City Thunder's strategic approach to player development, offering emerging talents like Malevy Leons a structured environment to grow and contribute. His journey from an undrafted prospect to securing multiple opportunities within the Thunder organization exemplifies the value placed on G League performance and summer league showcases as stepping stones to the NBA. The Exhibit 10 contract not only offers him a chance to compete at the highest level but also provides a safety net and financial incentives for his continued development within the G League system, positioning him for future success.
