Huestis inks for four years with Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY – Josh Huestis of Great Falls became a millionaire on Thursday after signing a four-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Huestis, 23, was in Oklahoma City on Thursday to sign the contract, which contains two guaranteed seasons worth more than $1 million each and a pair of team option years.

“I’m flying high today,” said Bonnie Huestis, Josh’s mother, when contacted at her Great Falls office. “Josh has been working hard for 15 years for this. And he has to keep working hard.”

Huestis, a C.M. Russell High grad who went on to a college career at Stanford, was a first-round pick of the Thunder’s in the 2014 NBA Draft but did not appear in the NBA, agreeing instead to the Thunder’s offer of a “draft-and-stash” policy which found him with the developmental league’s Oklahoma City Blue.

“There were so many doubters about the way he did it,” said Bonnie Huestis. “And it was so right. So right.”

Huestis’ agent, Toby Bailey, told the Tribune in a phone interview the rookie scale provides for negotiation terms between 80 and 120 percent of the slot designated by draft position. The 29th overall spot calls for $950,200 in the first year and $992,900 in the second year, according to the 2015-16 NBA Rookie Scale available at basketball.realgm.com.

“He got the full 120 percent,” Bailey said. “I’m very, very happy for Josh. He’s worked hard to earn this contract and we’re very happy that he signed it today.”

The Thunder announced the signing in a press release.

“We are excited to add Josh to our roster as he allows us to continue to increase our depth through his athleticism and versatility,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in the release. “Josh knows our culture and our organization as a result of his time with the Blue and we look forward to his continued development with the Thunder.”

The contract provided vindication for Huestis and his advisers. The decision to delay signing with the Thunder had been perceived by many to be risky.

“I’m just happy that it worked out and Josh trusted in the process,” Bailey said. “He’s worked very hard to get to where he’s at now. He’s always been a hard worker and he’s worked his tail off in order to earn his spot.”

Said Bonnie: “It’s been kind of hard, with all the naysayers and the doubters. But you know, Josh has never had anything easy. He’s had to work hard for everything. And he’s done it. And with all the injuries this year ... I’ve got to say, the Thunder are phenomenal. And his agents, they gave up a lot for this, too. Because people really questioned their sanity, you know.

“But it is all good. His agents are really, really good people, and they knew what they were doing all along.”

Huestis played 44 games for the Blue in 2014, averaging 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He had a fine career at Stanford, scoring 11.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game as a senior.

Huestis has not appeared in this year’s NBA summer league due to a pectoral injury. His mother confirmed that he’s had surgery on both knees recently as well.

Bailey said he thought Huestis would be ready to go when training camp opens in late September.

“Josh Huestis is going to be ready soon,” Bonnie said. “There’s no doubt in my mind.”

The two-year guaranteed contract provides a roster spot, but it’s possible Huestis could still see time in the D-League this season.

“I would expect, coming off these injuries,” Bonnie said, “that he’ll be playing some D-League games just to get himself back. Who knows how long it will take to get his body completely back? But he will.

“We’re totally confident he’ll be fine. Nothing is going to get in his way.”

Tribune sports columnist Scott Mansch and reporter Mark D. Robertson contributed to this report.