Thunder Waive Trio Ahead of Season Opener

On October 16, 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder processed three official waiver transactions to adjust their active depth chart. The franchise officially parted ways with guard Zhaire Smith, guard Anthony Pritchard, and Andrew Holifield. With their next contest set for October 21 on the road against the San Antonio Spurs, these roster moves clarify the available group heading into competition.

Verified Roster Transactions

The team movement log confirms three individual transaction details executed by the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 16, 2026:

Date	Transaction Kind	Official Description	To Team
2026-10-16	Waiver	Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Zhaire Smith.	Oklahoma City Thunder
2026-10-16	Waiver	Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Anthony Pritchard.	Oklahoma City Thunder
2026-10-16	Waiver	Oklahoma City Thunder waived Andrew Holifield.	Oklahoma City Thunder

Each move represents a standard waiver transaction, releasing Zhaire Smith, Anthony Pritchard, and Andrew Holifield directly from the team's roster footprint.

Statistical Baseline and Recent Form

Analysis of the recent 10-game window from May 7, 2026, through May 30, 2026, reveals the baseline performance environment surrounding Oklahoma City. Across that sample, the squad compiled a 6-4 record while generating an average of 113.4 points per game against 111.4 points allowed per contest.

Their efficiency metrics over those 10 games highlighted consistent execution: - Average Offensive Rating: 116.6 - Average Defensive Rating: 114.3 - Average Three-Point Percentage: 0.359 - Average Effective Field Goal Percentage: 0.538 - Average Turnovers: 13.6

Analysis indicates that parting with Zhaire Smith, Anthony Pritchard, and Andrew Holifield condenses depth following a stretch where the squad maintained a positive net scoring margin (+2.0 points per game) and a 116.6 offensive rating. Because the transaction logs contain no contractual figures, salary cap implications, or front-office statements, analysis remains strictly tied to these baseline productivity metrics.

Upcoming Matchup Context

Looking forward to the schedule, Oklahoma City's next designated game takes place on October 21, 2026, against the host San Antonio Spurs. The current market lines for this game list San Antonio as a -2.5 home favorite with a -137 moneyline, while Oklahoma City enters as a +112 moneyline away underdog. The game total is set at 231.5 points.

Analysis suggests these roster decisions finalize the squad's composition prior to visiting San Antonio. Oklahoma City enters the matchup looking to build upon their recent 0.538 effective field goal percentage and 13.6 turnover average. With no active model picks reported for this fixture, the team's recent 6-4 record and efficiency data serve as the primary statistical reference.

Sources

• NBA Player Movement record