On July 8, 2025, Berry Tramel wrote in the Tulsa World that Lindy Waters’ story remains grand, even without a championship ring. The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Waters to the San Antonio Spurs just before their 2025 title run. He missed the ring ceremony. Fans felt cheated.
The trade was pure business. Thunder management moved Waters for future assets. He accepted the move with class. In Oklahoma City, his locker room presence was praised by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and coach Mark Daigneault. “He put the team first,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. Waters’ sacrifice allowed younger players to develop.
In San Antonio, Waters faced a different kind of storm. On July 9, 2026, Spurs announcer Jacob Tobey was fired after an Instagram post alleged an affair with a player’s sister. The scandal went viral. Per Front Office Sports and the New York Post, Tobey was dismissed immediately. Waters stayed focused. His post-trade stats with the Spurs showed steady production: 8.4 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 38% from three-point range. Coaches praised his professionalism.
Waters’ impact extends beyond the court. He runs youth basketball camps in both Oklahoma and Texas. The Tulsa community continues to celebrate his legacy. A Tulsa World column on July 8, 2025, noted that his contributions to the Thunder’s culture were never forgotten.
The missed ring stings. But sacrifice defines a true champion. Waters’ story remains grand.
| Season | Team | PPG | RPG | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 (pre-trade) | Thunder | 5.2 | 1.8 | 36.1 |
| 2025-26 (post-trade) | Spurs | 8.4 | 3.1 | 38.0 |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Lindy Waters miss the Thunder’s championship ring ceremony?
- A: The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Waters to the San Antonio Spurs just before their 2025 title run, so he was no longer with the team when they won the championship and held the ring ceremony.
- Q: How did Lindy Waters respond to being traded away from the Thunder?
- A: Waters accepted the trade with class and professionalism. He was praised by teammates and coaches for putting the team first, which allowed younger players to develop.
- Q: What were Lindy Waters’ stats with the Spurs after the trade?
- A: In the 2025-26 season with the Spurs, Waters averaged 8.4 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and shot 38% from three-point range, showing steady production.
- Q: What off-court impact has Lindy Waters made?
- A: Waters runs youth basketball camps in both Oklahoma and Texas, and his contributions to the Thunder’s culture and the Tulsa community remain celebrated.