What's Happening?
The Phoenix Suns have officially waived forward Sean McDermott and wing Nathan Mariano, as per the NBA's transaction log. McDermott, who previously played 18 games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2020/21
season, has spent recent years playing in the G League and overseas in Italy and Turkey. Mariano, a 6'9" wing from Brazil, has been playing professionally for Franca in his home country. Both players were signed to Exhibit 10 contracts, which could earn them bonuses if they spend a significant amount of time with the Suns' G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. With these roster moves, the Suns now have 14 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals, setting their roster for the regular season. The team is unlikely to fill their 15th roster spot due to being slightly over the luxury tax line.
Why It's Important?
These roster adjustments are crucial for the Phoenix Suns as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. By waiving McDermott and Mariano, the Suns are optimizing their roster to comply with league regulations while managing financial constraints related to the luxury tax. This decision reflects the team's strategic planning to maintain a competitive edge while adhering to budgetary limits. The move also highlights the importance of the G League as a developmental platform, offering players like McDermott and Mariano opportunities to continue their professional growth and potentially earn bonuses. For the Suns, these decisions are part of a broader strategy to balance talent development with financial prudence.
What's Next?
As the regular season approaches, the Phoenix Suns will focus on integrating their finalized roster and preparing for their opening games. The team may consider filling their 15th roster spot if financial conditions allow, but this is unlikely given their current luxury tax situation. The waived players, McDermott and Mariano, are expected to join the Valley Suns, where they will aim to make an impact and potentially earn a call-up to the main roster. The Suns' management will continue to monitor player performance and financial conditions to make any necessary adjustments throughout the season.
