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Thunder sign ex-Pelicans defensive menace with high-motor upside, release Otega Oweh amid injury
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- Thunder sign ex-Pelicans defensive menace with high-motor upside, release Otega Oweh amid injury
Thunder sign ex-Pelicans defensive menace with high-motor upside, release Otega Oweh amid injury originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Oklahoma City Thunder are once again one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, especially after coming off a Game 7 loss in the Eastern Conference Finals. Oklahoma City has started the season well, continuing to showcase its smothering defense.
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However, just before the season began, the unfortunate trend of Thunder rookies suffering season-ending injuries before making their debuts continued.
"This is the fourth season out of five where a Thunder rookie has been ruled out for the year before debuting. 2022: Chet Holmgren (Lisfranc). 2024: Nikola Topic (ACL). 2025: Thomas Sorber (ACL). 2026: Otega Oweh (Achilles)," The Athletic's Law Murray wrote.
Oweh had a chance to work his way into the rotation and potentially become a contributor for Oklahoma City. Instead, the Thunder had to make the difficult decision to waive him following his injury.
"The Oklahoma City Thunder made their first roster move of the 2026-27 regular season. And it's one that shouldn't be a shocker to anybody. They have waived Otega Oweh. He was on a two-way contract. This was purely a roster mechanism move. Oweh sustained a torn Achilles tendon in OKC's preseason," USA Today's Clemente Almanza wrote.
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Oklahoma City decided to waive Oweh after agreeing to a two-way contract with Micah Peavy, a former second-round pick who was released by the Memphis Grizzlies .
"The Oklahoma City Thunder and Micah Peavy have agreed to a two-way deal, league sources told hoopshype. Peavy, the 40th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, played in 61 games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto wrote.
The move could turn into an under-the-radar signing that eventually pays major dividends for Oklahoma City. Finding playing time on a talented roster like the Thunder's will be difficult, but injuries could open the door for Peavy to earn opportunities.
Peavy brings a high motor, which is exactly what Oklahoma City wants from a young player joining its organization. Oweh's situation is unfortunate, but the Thunder had to make a difficult roster decision and bring in a player they believe can help the team moving forward.
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