Zhaire Smith is off the Oklahoma City Thunder roster, a move spotted in the team's official roster listing on Friday, Oct. 16. The 27-year-old guard, who has two seasons of NBA experience, had no NBA line last season.
The move
Zhaire Smith leaves the Oklahoma City Thunder roster, a move detected from the official roster on Friday, Oct. 16. The departure came the same day Hoopsrumors flagged him in a roundup titled "Minor Moves: Thunder, Raptors, Spurs, Kings, Mavs," a report whose confidence level is not given. Smith, a 27-year-old guard with two seasons of NBA experience, is no longer listed with the club.
The money
Smith's contract terms are not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing or departure by a day. The Thunder carry a payroll of $216.2 million across 15 contracts for 2026-27, putting them over the first apron. The league's cap sits at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million.
The fit
Smith has no NBA line from last season. Oklahoma City's returning rotation is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 33.2 minutes and 31.1 points, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each at 28-plus minutes and 17.1 points. Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Hartenstein and Aaron Wiggins round out the regulars. The Thunder now carry 21 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Why is Zhaire Smith off the Thunder roster?
The departure was detected from the official roster on Friday, Oct. 16. No further reason is announced.
What is Zhaire Smith's new contract?
Not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing or departure by a day.
Where do the Thunder stand against the salary cap?
They carry a $216.2 million payroll across 15 contracts for 2026-27, above the $209.0 million first apron. The cap is $165.0 million, the tax line $200.4 million and the second apron $221.7 million.
How big is the Thunder roster now?
21 players, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.