The Oklahoma City Thunder have waived undrafted rookie guard Robert McCray V ahead of their 2026-27 preseason opener. The team announced the roster move on Tuesday, October 6, just hours before facing the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Thunder released McCray V, a 24-year-old guard who was signed to an Exhibit-10 contract. He was one of four players brought in on such deals this offseason. Teams often use these contracts to evaluate talent during training camp and the preseason. But Oklahoma City's front office decided to make a move early. McCray V did not get a chance to play in a preseason game for the Thunder.
He played four collegiate seasons from 2021 to 2026. McCray V started at Wake Forest, transferred to Jacksonville for two years, and finished his career at Florida State. With the Seminoles, he put up solid numbers. He averaged 16.3 points per game on 45.8% shooting from the field. His playmaking was a feature, dishing out 6.1 assists per contest while grabbing 3.8 rebounds. From beyond the arc, he shot 35.5% on 4.2 attempts per game.
Waiving McCray V before a single preseason game is a bit unexpected. Exhibit-10 players are typically given a longer look. They get minutes in exhibition games to prove they belong. The Thunder coaching staff, led by head coach Mark Daigneault, apparently saw enough in practice. They evaluated the 6-foot-4, 188-pound guard and made a quick judgment.
This move helps simplify the roster before the five-game preseason slate begins. It allows the coaching staff to focus on the players who will likely make the final cut.
The good news for McCray V is that the Thunder retain his G League rights. He is now expected to join the OKC Blue for the upcoming 2026-27 G League season. There, he can continue his development and potentially earn another NBA opportunity. For the Thunder, their immediate focus shifts to the court.
Their preseason opener is against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, October 6. They will play a total of five preseason games, concluding on Thursday, October 15. After that, the regular season begins on Opening Night, Tuesday, October 20, with a road game against the San Antonio Spurs. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page. The early roster adjustment shows the front office is being decisive as they shape the team around a core that ended last season on a four-game winning streak.
