Yesterday I got an e-mail about the Clippers cutting two players at a time when their bench is almost threadbare, thanks to injury. It seemed like a sure sign they might be involved in some kind of trade.
So I made all the phone calls to see what might be up. And so far, I haven't heard of any trade.
But what I have been reminded of is that this is the time of the year when all kinds of players get cut.
Here's why.
Players who are on an NBA roster as of Saturday the tenth get their contracts guaranteed for the rest of the season.
To get a player off your roster, you have to waive him. Clearing waivers takes 48 hours, and that process has to be completed on Friday (otherwise the guy is still on your team on Saturday, and this his contract is guaranteed).
So, to cut a player in time to save some money on his salary, you have to cut him on Wednesday or sooner. Which is why around the League, 12th men without guaranteed contracts are being called into coaches offices.
