NBA Teams Waive Key Players Before Season

The Charlotte Hornets, under first-year head coach Charles Lee, are starting their season against the Houston Rockets without starters Mark Williams and Josh Green due to injuries. The New Orleans Pelicans have waived Malcolm Hill, while the Minnesota Timberwolves released Keita Bates-Diop, formerly of the New York Knicks. The San Antonio Spurs finalized their roster by waiving Brandon Boston Jr. and Malachi Flynn as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks. The New York Knicks have waived Landry Shamet, T.J. Warren, and Chuma Okeke due to financial constraints, with Warren expected to join their G League team. The Washington Wizards waived Jared Butler to maintain salary cap flexibility.