Three NBA Clubs Face Roster Cuts as Regular-Season Deadline Nears
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The Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks remain above the regular-season roster limit and must each release players before opening night, league sources said.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn still carries 17 standard contracts and sits more than $20 million below the salary cap ceiling, even after reported agreements with Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams and Ricky Council IV. The franchise must reach the league’s salary floor by the start of the season or absorb a cap charge for the shortfall. While the available space positions the Nets as a potential trade partner for teams looking to shed money, two players still have to come off the roster. Rookie first-round selections are considered safe, and high-salary veterans are unlikely to be waived, leaving fringe contributors such as Drew Timme, Tyrese Martin, Jalen Wilson and Dariq Whitehead on the bubble.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte’s situation is tighter. The Hornets list 18 fully guaranteed deals with no camp contracts, requiring three cuts. Veteran swingman Pat Connaughton, acquired primarily for financial flexibility, does not align with the team’s rebuilding timeline and is viewed as a prime candidate to depart. Guard DaQuan Jeffries holds a non-guaranteed contract and sits low in a crowded backcourt, making him another logical choice. The final opening could hinge on Nick Smith Jr. or Josh Green; Smith showed flashes last season, but Green offers size and outside shooting at a position of need.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas needs to clear a single slot to finalize a reported agreement to re-sign guard Dante Exum while staying under the second luxury-tax apron. Guard Brandon Williams, on a non-guaranteed deal, appears vulnerable, but Kyrie Irving’s rehab leaves the Mavericks thin in ball-handling depth. An alternative would be moving longtime center Dwight Powell, who is on an expiring $4 million contract and has slipped from the main rotation. Shipping Powell into a trade exception or available cap space elsewhere would open the necessary room and add financial flexibility.
Imagem: Sam Amico via hoopswire.com
All three organizations have until roster-cut deadlines in October to comply with the 15-player maximum, setting up several difficult personnel decisions in the coming weeks.
Source: Hoops Wire
