The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed three players-Zhaire Smith, Andrew Holifield, and Robert McCray V-to Exhibit 10 contracts for the 2026-27 NBA season. The team announced the signings on Friday, September 25, 2026, just days before the start of training camp.
Zhaire Smith is the most experienced player of the trio. He was the 16th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. After his time in Philadelphia, Smith has developed his game in the G League. He played for the Oklahoma City Blue last season, putting up impressive numbers of 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 33 games.
The other two signings are undrafted rookies from the 2026 NBA Draft. Andrew Holifield averaged 11.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in his final collegiate season at Lamar University. Robert McCray V posted 16.3 points and 6.1 assists per game during his last year at Florida State. Both players are expected to join Smith on the Blue's roster.
An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal. It functions primarily as a formal invitation to training camp and the preseason. For the Thunder, the main goal is to secure the G League rights to these players.
Teams use these contracts to build depth for their affiliate. In very rare cases, a strong preseason performance can lead to a conversion to a two-way contract. For Smith, Holifield, and McCray V, the immediate path points to the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue.
The Thunder enter the 2026-27 season as co-favorites to win the NBA championship, alongside the San Antonio Spurs. Despite some offseason moves aimed at managing the roster, the core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams remains intact. This trio is more than capable of keeping Oklahoma City in the title conversation.
These Exhibit 10 signings are about building a strong pipeline. Developing talent with the Blue ensures the Thunder have ready options if needed during the long NBA season. It's a low-risk move with potential future benefits.
Fans can expect to see all three new signings in action during the upcoming preseason. Their performance will determine their immediate future, but for now, they add depth and competition to the organization's player development system.
