OKC Thunder move on from project big man, more moves loom

The OKC Thunder are staring down the barrel of a massive roster crunch. The team spent this offseason using their cap space to pick up additional draft compensation. As part of that shuffling around, the Thunder took a chance on two former first-rounders.

Many fans were excited about the OKC Thunder acquiring TyTy Washington and Usman Garuba after they were salary dumped to Atlanta before being rerouted to Oklahoma City. Those summer daydreams of reviving the prospect’s career ended this week as the Thunder have waived both the once-promising prospects.

The news of Garuba being waived before the start of training camp shocked OKC Thunder fans after a recent interview that the big man gave to a local newspaper. Though he glowed poetically about the organization, revealing this is where he wanted to be drafted, his time with the OKC Thunder ended before it truly began.

The OKC Thunder have waived Usman Garuba, though more roster moves loom.

Much like Friday, when the Thunder waived TyTy Washington and immediately inked Lindy Waters III to a two-way deal, this move clears the way for the OKC Thunder to fill their third and final two-way slot.

During the NBA offseason, you can only carry 21 players on your roster, and while the Thunder have been chalked full this summer, they still had two-way spots to fill. Now, their two-ways consist of rookie Keyontae Johnson and trusted wing Lindy Waters III. With an open slot thanks to the new CBA, expect that to be filled before training camp.

The Thunder will not be under the 21-player maximum for very long, as the organization loves to go into training camp with a crowded roster. It allows them to manage the preseason and extra practices smoothly for their regulars.