Like the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder are broadening their farm of guards heading into training camp.
The Thunder have reportedly signed up former Maryland guard Dez Wells to a non-guaranteed contract and will try to jockey for a possible slot in the Thunder lineup. The deal was announced by Well's agent Lance Washington via Comcast Sportsnet.
Wells was originally scheduled to play for the Washington Wizards at the NBA Summer League but a dislocated thumb he suffered last month prevented him from doing so.
Wells thumb has apparently healed up and before his decision to join the Thunder, six teams were reportedly interested in inviting the shooting guard to training camp.
The former University of Maryland guard would have been drafted 46th in the recent draft but was not keen on going overseas. The Wizards eventually selected power forward Aaron White who agreed to go abroad to gain the necessary experience while not occupying a regular slot in the Wizards roster.
For Wells, his fate rests entirely on his hands. The OKC Thunder have 15 players with guaranteed contracts, although the NBA allows 20 players during the season.
In case Wells fails to make the grade, he may likely end up in the NBA D-League where the Thunder have a team, the Oklahoma City Blue.
During his final year at the University of Maryland, Wells averaged 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per outing. He was the obvious leader for the Maryland Terrapins in recent years and was considered responsible for the team's resurgence.
Hence, it now remains to be seen if Wells can impress new head coach Billy Donovan at training camp. The Thunder could make room for one more guard in the rotation, although it will entirely depend on what he has to offer.
The Thunder's guard lineup right now includes Russell Westbrook, D.J. Augustin, Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow, Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters.
