NBA Rumors: Bismack Biyombo, Thunder Agree to Contract for Rest of 2023-24 Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder and free-agent center Bismack Biyombo agreed to a contract for the rest of the 2023-24 NBA season Saturday, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the agreement is for a minimum-salary deal.

Biyombo, 31, appeared in 30 games for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, but he was waived last month, allowing him to potentially land with a contender.

The Thunder fit the bill, as they are currently second in the Western Conference with a 35-16 record.

Originally the No. 7 overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Biyombo has had a journeyman-like career, playing for the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Grizzlies over the course of 13 seasons.

The 6'8" big man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has primarily been sought after for his defensive prowess, as he averages 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in 829 career regular-season games.

Biyombo started 27 of the 30 games he appeared in for the Grizzlies this season, averaging 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks in 23.9 minutes per contest, while also shooting 56.3 percent from the field.

In OKC, Biyombo figures to be a solid rotational piece off the bench in the frontcourt, lending support to Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams.

Much of the Thunder's depth currently is in the backcourt and on the wing, so Biyombo undoubtedly fills a need.

The Thunder are a threat to go on a deep playoff run thanks to a young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, and Lu Dort, but they have added a much-needed veteran presence in recent days.

Along with Biyombo, the Thunder acquired 33-year-old forward and one-time All-Star Gordon Hayward from the Hornets before Thursday's trade deadline.

There are several legitimate championship contenders in the West, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and possibly others, and thanks to their mix of youth and experience, the Thunder are in that conversation.