Oklahoma City Thunder release Sebastian Telfair

The Oklahoma City Thunder have released point guard Sebastian Telfair to reduce the roster to the required 15-player maximum as their hardship exception expires.

Ish Smith will remain on the roster as the team's third point guard but they will be boosted by the return of Russell Westbrook from injury in the coming days.

Westbrook has been sidelined since suffering a broken hand last month, while teammates Kevin Durant, Mitch McGary and Anthony Morrow have all struggled with injuries of their own.

As a result, the Thunder were granted the hardship exception after having four players injured for an extended period of time.

Telfair appeared in 16 games and averaged 8.4 points and 2.8 assists in 20.9 minutes per game.