What's Happening?
The Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, and Phoenix Suns have made significant roster adjustments as the NBA season approaches. The Bucks have decided to retain Amir Coffey, who signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 deal in August, by converting his contract
to a standard deal. This decision necessitates another roster move before the deadline, likely involving the waiving of either Andre Jackson Jr. or Tyler Smith. Meanwhile, the Spurs have trimmed their roster by waiving Adam Flagler, Stanley Umude, and Micah Potter, all of whom are expected to join the Austin Spurs in the G League. The Suns have also made cuts, waiving Sean McDermott and Nathan Mariano shortly after signing them to Exhibit 10 contracts. Both players are anticipated to join the Valley Suns in the G League.
Why It's Important?
These roster changes are crucial as teams finalize their lineups for the upcoming NBA season. For the Bucks, retaining Amir Coffey could strengthen their wing position, given his solid performance last season. The decision to potentially waive players like Andre Jackson Jr. or Tyler Smith highlights the competitive nature of securing a spot on the team. The Spurs' and Suns' moves to send players to their G League affiliates reflect a strategic approach to player development and financial management, as these players can earn bonuses while gaining experience. These decisions also underscore the financial considerations teams face, such as the Suns' choice not to fill their 15th roster spot due to luxury tax implications.
What's Next?
As the NBA season begins, these teams will monitor the performance of their finalized rosters and make adjustments as needed. The Bucks will need to decide on their final roster move, which could impact team dynamics. The Spurs and Suns will focus on developing their G League players, potentially calling them up if needed during the season. These moves set the stage for how each team will approach the season, balancing immediate performance with long-term player development.
