The Thunder waived guard Earl Watson on Friday and Watson is expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers as soon as his one-week waiver period expires. The Thunder will have to pay Watson a portion of final $6.6 million of his contract and it gives Oklahoma City more roster flexibility.The move may be an indication that former lottery pick Shaun Livingston has cemented himself as the reserve point guard and it gives Watson a chance to play significant minutes. That wasn't going to happen this season for OKC, which is preparing for the future.
Watson, 30, averaged 6.6 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Thunder last season but he became increasingly unhappy when Russell Westbrook was given the starting job. OKC has a couple more veteran contracts -- Damien Wilkins, Chucky Atkins -- that could be gone by training camp.
Watson's signing is also a sign that Indiana won't match Toronto's offer sheet to Jarrett Jack. Watson is a solid reserve point guard and good defender. And he also just married actress Jennifer Freeman (My Wife and Kids) in May, so it has been a good couple of months for the former UCLA standout.
