As the NBA rosters settle for the 2025-26 season, former Oklahoma City Thunder players are finding new opportunities. Lindy Waters III, an undrafted rookie turned G League standout, signed a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He notably progressed from a two-way contract to a standard deal during his time with the Thunder, showcasing his development potential.

Jared Butler, who had a brief stint with the Thunder last season, has signed with the Phoenix Suns after bouncing around the league. His resilience is commendable as he manages to secure a standard deal after various transitions. Meanwhile, Colby Jones, although previously part of the Thunder, was waived and is now on a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, underscoring the challenges faced by players seeking stability in the league.

The Milwaukee Bucks have made headlines by waiving Damian Lillard just a day into the free agency, stretching his hefty $113 million contract over five years to create cap space. This bold maneuver led to the signing of Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million offer, a strategic move to bolster their roster. The Bucks also re-signed key players including Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. With Porter Jr. expected to assume a starting role, the team is now on the lookout for point guard depth, considering veterans like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, alongside the possibility of signing Jared Butler, who recently became an unrestricted free agent after the 76ers declined his team option.

Butler, known for his impressive collegiate performance at Baylor, is coming off a productive stint with the 76ers, where he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds over 28 games. His potential addition could provide the Bucks with a valuable bench spark as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Bucks aim to capitalize on their newfound flexibility while navigating a competitive free agency landscape, seeking to reinforce their roster amidst the changes.

The Philadelphia 76ers are making headlines after selecting Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick in the recent draft. Edgecombe's athleticism has sparked excitement among fans eager to see how he complements the existing roster. However, in a surprising move, the front office opted to decline Jared Butler's $2.3 million team option for the 2025-26 season. This decision seems to stem from a crowded backcourt that includes Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Eric Gordon.

Butler, who was acquired from the Wizards, had a season of mixed results, averaging 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over 28 games. His increased playing time came due to injuries on the team, but with the current roster setup, finding minutes for him next season appears challenging. Additionally, the team is reportedly looking to re-sign Quentin Grimes, further complicating Butler's prospects in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been proactive in managing their roster, with recent moves regarding player options and contracts. Center Andre Drummond has opted into his $5 million contract for the 2025-26 season, while the team declined the option for guard Jared Butler, who will enter unrestricted free agency.

Moreover, the Sixers are re-signing breakout forward Justin Edwards on a three-year deal after initially declining his option. Edwards, an undrafted talent from Kentucky, has shown promise with an average of 10.1 points in 44 games last season, and the deal reportedly includes guarantees for two of the three years.

The Philadelphia 76ers are proactively shaping their roster for the upcoming season, making significant moves ahead of the free agency period. A strategic decision was made to decline Jared Butler's team option, allowing for a focus on retaining promising talent. In a notable shift, the Sixers have opted to decline Justin Edwards' initial team option of $1.9 million, only to secure him on a more favorable three-year deal.

This new contract includes two guaranteed years at $2 million for the 2025-26 season, reflecting confidence in Edwards' potential. The undrafted rookie out of Kentucky had a commendable debut, averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while showcasing impressive shooting efficiency at 45.5% from the floor and 36.3% from beyond the arc. His performance on a two-way deal previously demonstrated his capability, leading to this long-term commitment from the Sixers as they aim to build a competitive squad.