Could new free agent Olivier Sarr join his brother in D.C.?

The Oklahoma City Thunder just announced the free agent rights for former Kentucky player Olivier Sarr, per Keith Smith of Spotrac. In order for the Thunder to complete the signing of Isaiah Hartenstein, it renounced the free agency of five players, including Sarr. Bismack Biyombo, Gordon Hayward, Keyontae Johnson, and Mike Muscala were also among the five.

Sarr, a former forward at Kentucky, spent one season as a Wildcat. In Lexington, the ACC transfer averaged 10.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in all 25 games of the 2020-21 season. In fact, he was the only player to start in all 25 games. Sarr had two games with 20-plus points, as well as a team-high three double-doubles on the season.

The seven-footer played at Wake Forest from 2017-2020. Then, he decided to forgo his final year of eligibility after one year as a ‘Cat. The French forward signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA’s G-League. However, Sarr had the chance to play some games for the Thunder as well.

During the 2023-24 season, Sarr averaged 2.3 points and 2.4 rebounds over 15 games. In those games, the forward went 11 of 19 (57.9%) from the field, as well as 2 of 6 (33.3%) from behind the three-point line. His third season for the Thunder was cut short after Sarr sustained a left Achilles tendon rupture during Game 3 of the G League finals, according to ESPN.

As luck would have it, Sarr’s brother Alexandre also plays in the NBA. The 7-foot center was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft for the Washington Wizards. Alexandre played for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League before declaring for the draft. Now that Sarr is a free agent, there’s a very real possibility that he joins his brother in D.C., if the Wizards want him.