The Thunder waived veteran forward Rudy Gay on Wednesday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported, thus opening up a roster spot for Oklahoma City to sign Australian wing Jack White.
Teams are allowed to carry a maximum of 21 players, including two-way contract players, in the offseason. Before waiving Gay, the Thunder was maxed out at 21 players, which is why the reported signing of White had yet to be finalized.
White, per multiple reports, agreed to a two-year contract with the Thunder on July 1. Despite not being an official member of the Thunder, White was around the team for summer leagues in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
White, who turns 26 next month, appeared in 17 games for the Nuggets last season. White was a four-year player at Duke from 2016-20.
The Thunder’s decision to waive Gay came as no surprise. OKC acquired Gay, along with TyTy Washington Jr., Usman Garuba and a 2026 second-round pick, from the Hawks on July 12 in exchange for Patty Mills.
The Thunder was willing to take on Gay’s $6.5 million expiring contract to net another draft pick.
The 36-year-old forward has played for the Grizzlies, Raptors, Kings, Spurs and Jazz. Gay ranks ninth among active players in points (17,642) and fifth in games played (1,120).
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder waives Rudy Gay, per report, clearing way for Jack White