Zhaire Smith is now on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster, according to the team's official roster as of Saturday, Sept. 26. The 27-year-old guard, who has two seasons of NBA experience, joins from free agency with no contract on file yet.
The move
Zhaire Smith joins the Oklahoma City Thunder, moving from free agency with no prior roster spot, according to the team's official roster as of Saturday, Sept. 26. No transaction report preceded the move; none is logged for him. The 27-year-old guard enters this season with two years of NBA experience. Terms of the move, including any contract structure, are not announced beyond his addition to the roster.
The money
Smith's contract terms are not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day. The Thunder carry a payroll of $216.2 million across 15 contracts for 2026-27, which puts Oklahoma City over the first apron. The league's lines for 2026-27 have the cap at $165.0 million, the tax at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million. The roster now counts 21 players.
The fit
Smith has no NBA line on file from last season. At guard, the Thunder lean on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 33.2 minutes and 31.1 points, with Cason Wallace (26.6 minutes, 8.6 points), Ajay Mitchell (25.8 minutes, 13.6 points) and Aaron Wiggins (21.8 minutes, 9.4 points) also in the backcourt mix. Luguentz Dort logged 26.8 minutes and 8.3 points on the wing. Smith joins a roster now at 21 players as Oklahoma City rounds out its depth for 2026-27.
What is Zhaire Smith's contract with the Thunder?
It is not announced yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Did a report precede Smith joining the roster?
No report is logged for this move.
How many players are on the Thunder's roster now?
21 players, per the team's official roster.