NBA teams must act by 5 p.m. ET today, Jan. 7, if they intend to release players on non-guaranteed contracts before those salaries become fully protected on Jan. 10. Any player placed on waivers this afternoon will clear by Friday, keeping that money off the books. If a club waits past the deadline, the deal converts to a full guarantee.
The policy, outlined by Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors, has already prompted several moves. Indiana waived center Tony Bradley on Monday, and Toronto did the same with forward Mo Bamba on Tuesday. Additional transactions remain possible, though many non-guaranteed players appear secure thanks to recent contributions—among them Charlotte’s Moussa Diabaté, now starting for the Hornets, and Dallas guard Brandon Williams, fresh off a game-winning shot against Sacramento.
The same cutoff applies to two-way contracts. Anyone still on a two-way deal after today is owed the full two-way salary—$636,435 for players signed on opening night, prorated for those added later. Chicago already waived two-way guard Trentyn Flowers on Tuesday; other clubs could follow, although two-way pacts do not affect the salary cap or trade flexibility.
Players on non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts
Atlanta Hawks: Vit Krejci (partial), Mouhamed Gueye, Keaton Wallace
Boston Celtics: Jordan Walsh (partial)
Brooklyn Nets: Tyrese Martin, Jalen Wilson
Charlotte Hornets: Moussa Diabaté
Cleveland Cavaliers: Dean Wade (partial), Thomas Bryant, Craig Porter Jr.
Dallas Mavericks: Brandon Williams
Detroit Pistons: Javonte Green, Isaac Jones
Golden State Warriors: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos
Indiana Pacers: Micah Potter
Miami Heat: Terry Rozier (partial)
Milwaukee Bucks: Amir Coffey
Minnesota Timberwolves: Bones Hyland
New York Knicks: Mohamed Diawara, Ariel Hukporti, Landry Shamet
Phoenix Suns: Jordan Goodwin
Sacramento Kings: Precious Achiuwa, Keon Ellis, Russell Westbrook
San Antonio Spurs: Bismack Biyombo, Lindy Waters
Washington Wizards: Justin Champagnie
The waiver window closes late this afternoon, leaving front offices only hours to determine whether to retain depth pieces or preserve financial flexibility for the remainder of the season.
Source: Hoops Wire
