Former San Antonio Spurs guard Lindy Waters III has officially ended his NBA career to play overseas, signing with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association. The move comes after the Spurs opted not to re-sign him this offseason, concluding a five-year stint in the league. Waters joins a Beijing squad that finished fourth last season with a 29-13 record and reached the CBA semifinals. The Spurs, meanwhile, are coming off a 90-94 loss to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026, part of a recent 1-4 stretch.
Lindy Waters III entered the league undrafted in 2020 after four years at Oklahoma State. He started his professional journey with the Enid Outlaws before catching on with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Waters spent his first three seasons with the Thunder, splitting time between the NBA and the G League's Oklahoma City Blue. In 104 games for Oklahoma City, he averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.
The Golden State Warriors signed him in the summer of 2024. Waters appeared in 38 games for Golden State, starting nine, and put up averages of 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Midway through the 2024-25 season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of the multi-team Jimmy Butler deal. His role diminished in Detroit, where he scored 3.4 points per game across 14 appearances.
San Antonio signed Waters last summer, adding him to their backcourt rotation. He suited up for 40 games during the regular season, primarily coming off the bench. His playing time was limited to just 7.1 minutes per game, resulting in an average of 2.4 points. The Spurs' decision not to offer a new contract reflects their current roster direction and Waters' search for a larger role. The team's focus may be on developing other pieces after a tough recent run, which includes losing their last two games.
Waters' signing is a significant addition for the Beijing Ducks. He brings NBA experience and perimeter shooting to a team that was already competitive. He'll team up with another former NBA player, JaKarr Sampson, as Beijing aims to improve on last season's semifinal exit. The Ducks lost to the eventual champion Shanghai Sharks in the playoffs. Waters' ability to space the floor could be a major asset in the CBA's style of play.
The Spurs' roster moves continue as they build for the future. Letting Waters walk opens up a spot for younger talent or another free agent. Fans can track the team's evolving lineup and check upcoming games on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. San Antonio's recent form shows the challenges they face, having lost four of their last five. Their most recent win was a 127-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors back on April 2, 2026. Integrating new players and finding consistent production from the wing will be a priority moving forward.
