NBA Rosters Nearly Locked In Ahead of Opening-Night Deadline
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Most NBA clubs have finalized their rosters before Monday’s regular-season deadline, allowing non-guaranteed players to clear waivers without the added cost of two extra salary days.
Teams already at the 18-player limit
Twenty-nine of the league’s 30 organizations are in compliance with the maximum of 15 standard contracts and three two-way deals.
Full groups (15 standard, 3 two-way): Hornets, Bulls, Mavericks, Pacers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Thunder, Kings, Spurs, Jazz.
One standard spot open (14 standard, 3 two-way): Hawks, Celtics, Nuggets, Pistons, Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Heat, Timberwolves, Knicks, Magic, 76ers, Suns, Raptors.
Several of those clubs—specifically the Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Knicks, and Magic—are hard-capped, preventing them from adding a 15th player unless they shed salary elsewhere. Other teams are staying just below the luxury-tax threshold to retain flexibility. Detroit, comfortably under the tax, could still sign another player if it chooses.
Remaining two-way openings
Cleveland and Portland each have one two-way slot available. The Cavaliers hold 14 standard contracts and two two-ways, while the Trail Blazers sit at 15 and two. Both franchises are expected to fill those vacancies shortly.
Brooklyn still needs a cut
The Nets are the lone team over the limit, carrying 16 standard deals and two two-ways. Forwards Jalen Wilson (partially guaranteed) and Tyrese Martin (non-guaranteed) are considered the most likely candidates to be waived, though Brooklyn must remain above the salary floor and may have to guarantee more money before finalizing a release.
The Bucks faced a similar issue and reportedly solved it by waiving Tyler Smith, whose fully guaranteed contract is worth nearly $2 million. Washington also trimmed its roster to 15 standard players by cutting Dillon Jones on Sunday.
The league’s regular season begins Tuesday night.
Source: Hoops Wire
