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Thunder Swap Fringe Pieces Before Camp Opens

Tilly signs on an Exhibit 10 as Lindy Waters departs for the Beijing Ducks.

2026-10-01Return Targetfive players sidelined entering camp
2026-10-06Preseason Openshome vs. New Orleans
2026-10-20Regular Seasonat San Antonio, NBC/Peacock
Exhibit 10Contract TypeTilly's deal, signed Sept. 15
By the Thunder Nightly Desk · Wednesday, September 16

Oklahoma City added forward Cristoph Tilly on an Exhibit 10 deal this week, even as wing Lindy Waters signed with the Beijing Ducks, according to Hoops Rumors. Five players carry an Oct. 1 target return as the Thunder head into camp with a nearly unchanged core.

Thunder Nightly artwork
Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

A Fringe Swap, Not a Signal

Cristoph Tilly joined the organization on Sept. 15 on an Exhibit 10 contract, a depth move with no guaranteed money attached. Lindy Waters went the other direction, signing with the Beijing Ducks the same day, per Hoops Rumors. Neither move touches the rotation Mark Daigneault will lean on this fall, but both mark real change to the 17-man group on hand for camp.

Five Names on the Injury Report

Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), Otega Oweh (lower leg), Ajay Mitchell (calf), Thomas Sorber (knee) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) all carry an estimated Oct. 1 return, meaning camp opens with five regulars working back rather than scrimmaging at full speed. None of the five injuries is described as long-term, and the shared target date suggests staggered but modest absences.

October Puts Dates on the Calendar

The preseason runs four games: Oct. 6 and 7 at home against New Orleans and Milwaukee, then road trips to Atlanta on Oct. 12 and a home date with Indiana on Oct. 13. The regular season begins Oct. 20 at San Antonio, broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Thunderous Intentions has flagged a roster question worth watching before that date: whether a decision on Nikola Topić's future puts pressure on Bennett Stirtz's spot.

Did the Thunder sign anyone new this week?

Yes. Cristoph Tilly signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Oklahoma City on Sept. 15, the same day wing Lindy Waters signed with the Beijing Ducks.

When do the Thunder start playing again?

Preseason begins Oct. 6 at home against New Orleans, and the regular season opens Oct. 20 at San Antonio on NBC and Peacock.

By the Thunder Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.

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