Jordan McRae is waived by the Cavaliers to clear a roster space to accommodate Andrew Bogut into the team. McRae only played for 34 games for the Cavaliers this season.
Bogut has decided to join the Cavaliers after he secure the buyout from Philadelphia 76ers. The arrival of the 7-foot center will be a dominant factor to strengthen Cavaliers defense. His decision to choose Cavaliers was announced by his agent David Bauman of the Independent Sports & Entertainment, FOX Sports reported.
The 32-year-old Australian nationa team player was waived by Philadelphia 76ers, four days after he was traded on Feb. 23 from Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Nerlens Noel. Subsequently, Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets have put their interest to land him as well as the Cavaliers. However, he preferred to join Cavaliers to join the quest to 2017 NBA Finals.
In order to clear the roster spot for Bogut, Cavaliers waives guard McRae, Cleveland.com reported. The 25-year-old shooting guard was acquired from NBA Development League team Delaware 87ers in February 2016. McRae was also able to distribute the ball and make play as point guard, which he had shown during Kyrie Irving’s injury in December.
However, as now the Cavaliers have fully equipped with three new players Bogut, Deron Williams and Derrick Williams, McRae’s service is no longer needed. Cavaliers waived him on Wednesday, March 1.
McRae, the second round draft pick player who was selected by San Antonio Spurs in 2014, but traded on the draft night to Philadelphia 76ers. After he did not make the roster in 2014-15 season, he player overseas in Australian NBL.
He was back to U.S. in the following season to sign with the 76ers D-League team the Delaware 87ers. He signed with the Cavaliers in the beginning of the season as the backup guard. However, McRae now must leave Cleveland to give a space for Bogut.
Watch the ESPN First Take discussion regarding Bogut and the Cleveland Cavaliers pursuit for the third NBA Finals appearance below: