By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Oklahoma City Thunder has waived forward Usman Garuba as he is preparing for the upcoming FIBA World Cup with the Spanish national team.
Garuba, 21, was the No. 23 overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft, making him one of four first-round selections drafted to the team. With so many players developing all at once and injuries making a bad situation worse, Garuba played in just 24 games in his rookie season.
This past year, Garuba was healthier, playing in 75 games, but averaging just three points per game. He was traded to Atlanta and from there to the Thunder.
His reaction to the news was the following.
I’ll prove everyone wrong. Mark my words 💯🙏🏿🤞🏿
— Usman Garuba Alari (@Usmangaruba) August 21, 2023
At this point it’s unclear if the player will stay in the NBA, however if he rerutns to Europe, then his former team, Real Madrid will be more than interested. Garuba has a guaranteed contract for the next season in the NBA, 2.5 million dollars that he will receive whether he continues in the NBA or if he returns to Europe, a possibility that should not be ruled out since he is currently a free agent with complete freedom to sign wherever he wants unless another NBA franchise prevents it in the next 48 hours.