Chris Youngblood Inks Exhibit-10 Deal with NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder
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Chris Youngblood,a standout guard from the University of Alabama,has signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. This move makes Youngblood the fourth former Crimson Tide player from the 2025 NBA Draft class to secure a professional contract after going undrafted.The announcement came via the team’s official men’s basketball account.
Youngblood Joins Thunder After Collegiate Career
The 6-foot-4, 223-pound guard spent his final year of college ball in Tuscaloosa, contributing to the Crimson Tide’s second consecutive Elite Eight appearance. During his time with coach nate Oats, Youngblood posted averages of 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, while showcasing his shooting prowess with a 44.7% field goal percentage and a 38.8% three-point percentage.
Did You Know? An Exhibit-10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary deal that gives NBA teams versatility to evaluate players during training camp and possibly convert them to two-way contracts.
Collegiate journey
Before his stint with Alabama, Youngblood honed his skills over three seasons at Kennesaw State and one season at USF. He leveraged his extra year of eligibility granted due to COVID-19 to join the crimson Tide. Across his five-year college career, Youngblood maintained impressive averages of 13.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, coupled with a 45.1% shooting percentage from the field and a 39.3% clip from beyond the arc.
Crimson Tide’s NBA Pipeline
Youngblood’s signing highlights Alabama’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for NBA talent. He joins three other undrafted Alabama players who have recently signed NBA contracts. Guard Mark Sears is heading to the Milwaukee Bucks, forward Grant Nelson will join the Brooklyn Nets, and center Clifford Omoruyi is set to play for the Toronto raptors.
Pro Tip: exhibit-10 contracts are a great prospect for undrafted players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster or a G League team.
Alabama Players NBA Contracts
| Player Name | NBA Team | Contract Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Youngblood | Oklahoma City Thunder | Exhibit-10 |
| Mark Sears | Milwaukee Bucks | TBD |
| Grant Nelson | Brooklyn Nets | TBD |
| Clifford Omoruyi | Toronto Raptors | TBD |
The success of these players underscores the quality of the Alabama basketball program under Coach Nate Oats, who has successfully developed and prepared players for the next level. The 2025 NBA Draft saw a meaningful Crimson Tide presence, solidifying the program’s status as a top destination for aspiring NBA players.
Evergreen Insights: The Rise of Two-Way contracts
The increasing prevalence of Exhibit-10 and two-way contracts in the NBA reflects a strategic shift towards player advancement and cost-effective roster management. These contracts allow teams to invest in promising young players without committing significant cap space, providing opportunities for them to develop within the team’s system thru the G League.This trend has created more pathways for undrafted players to prove themselves and potentially earn a long-term spot in the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Exhibit-10 Contracts
What are the benefits of an exhibit-10 contract for a player?
An Exhibit-10 contract offers players the chance to participate in NBA training camp, showcase their skills to coaching staff, and potentially earn a spot on the regular season roster or a two-way contract.It also often includes a bonus if the player is waived and joins the team’s G League affiliate.
How does an Exhibit-10 contract benefit NBA teams?
Exhibit-10 contracts provide teams with a low-risk way to evaluate young talent and develop players within their system. They offer flexibility in roster management and allow teams to maintain a pipeline of potential NBA players through their G League affiliates.
What is the difference between an Exhibit-10 contract and a two-way contract?
An Exhibit-10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary contract that can be converted into a two-way contract before the start of the regular season. A two-way contract allows a player to spend time with both the NBA team and its G League affiliate, but limits the number of days they can be active on the NBA roster.
What are your thoughts on Chris Youngblood’s chances with the Oklahoma City Thunder? How will the rise of two-way contracts impact the NBA in the coming years?
Share your predictions and join the conversation below!