The Oklahoma City Thunder are bringing back a familiar face ahead of training camp, signing former first-round pick Zhaire Smith to an Exhibit 10 contract.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported the move Friday via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Zhaire Smith, the 16th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has signed an E10 deal with the OKC Thunder.”
Smith, 27, spent last season within the Thunder organization as a member of the Oklahoma City Blue, the franchise's G League affiliate. The deal gives Smith an opportunity to compete for a roster spot as Oklahoma City prepares to open training camp next week ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Phoenix Suns originally selected Smith with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft before trading him to the Philadelphia 76ers. Phoenix received Mikal Bridges, who had been selected No. 10 overall by Philadelphia, as part of the draft-night deal.
Article Continues BelowSmith's NBA career was limited to two seasons with the 76ers. The 6-foot-3 guard appeared in 13 games, including two starts, from 2018-20. He averaged 3.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 11 minutes per game while shooting 37.8% from the field and 31.6% from 3-point range.
Smith has since continued his career primarily in the G League. He played for the Cleveland Charge from 2023-25 before spending time with the Texas Legends in 2025 and later joining the Blue.
Smith also played for Piratas de Quebradillas in Puerto Rico in 2026 before returning to the Thunder organization.
An Exhibit 10 contract allows Oklahoma City to evaluate Smith during training camp while also providing flexibility regarding its G League roster. Smith will now attempt to use his familiarity with the organization to earn another opportunity at the NBA level.