Once seen as a potential second-round draft gem for the OKC Thunder, Otega Oweh finds his future in the Sooner State in serious limbo after tearing his Achilles a week before opening night and, in turn, being shut down for the entirety of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Though currently attached to a two-way with Oklahoma City, such a deal is far from a guarantee to be honored for its duration. In fact, considering he technically is taking up the team's third and final contract of such standing, one could easily assume the Thunder will strongly consider parting ways with the wing sometime soon.
Without question, this hypothetical highlights one of the ugly sides of the NBA.
Thunder could choose cut-throat bussiness approach with Otega Oweh
Instead of directly aiding in their recent draft pick's recovery process, the strategic business decision to waive Oweh may take precedence.
After all, for a team currently gunning for another championship run and that has faced many injury-related issues over the past few years, the old saying "the best ability is availability" is likely their mantra at this point.
All things considered, one should be under the belief that, in the not-too-distant future, an official announcement will be made regarding Oweh's departure from the Thunder.
Rather than taking the humane approach, teams in this league often take the cut-throat route in situations like these.
Oweh will presumably soon find this out the hard way.
Thunder already lost out on high-upside two-way signing
The Thunder are already at their limit for two-way contracts. As a result, regardless of whether they actually wanted to or not, they were barred from pursuing third-year forward Dalton Knecht in free agency.
Had they had a vacancy, the logic for a pursuit was as plain as day.
Not only has Knecht flashed serious upside as an offensive weapon throughout his still very young pro career, but he also plays a position the Thunder could use more options at in small forward.
In the end, the former first-round pick for the Los Angeles Lakers signed with the reigning champion Knicks on a mere two-way deal.
Considering his draft status, offensive upside, and, frankly, his good health standing, there's no question the Thunder should have been open to snatching up his services with such a contract had they had the room to do so.
Parting ways with Oweh would ensure OKC will be ready to pounce on another opportunity such as this down the line.
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