Over the next week, Hoops Rumors will be taking a closer look at each NBA team’s current roster situation, evaluating which clubs still have some moves to make and which ones seem most prepared for training camp to begin.
This series is meant to provide a snapshot of each team’s roster at this time, so these articles won’t be updated in the coming weeks as more signings, trades and cuts are made. You can follow our roster counts page to keep tabs on teams’ open spots as opening night nears.
We’re beginning our pre-camp roster snapshot series with the Southeast Division. Let’s dive in.
Atlanta Hawks
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 13
- Players on non-guaranteed standard contracts: 1
- Tyrese Martin (partial guarantee)
- Players on Exhibit 10 contracts: 1
- Players on two-way contracts: 2
Martin, whose minimum salary is partially guaranteed for $450K, is a strong bet to be the Hawks’ 14th man. Because Atlanta’s team salary is a little over the luxury tax line, the team may keep its 15th regular season roster spot open to start the season, and could even try making a cost-cutting trade at some point before the 2023 deadline to sneak below the tax line. Otherwise, their standard roster appears pretty set.
One of the Hawks’ two-way players (Forrest) is newly signed, while the other (Brown) is a holdover from last season. It’s possible Brown’s two-way spot could be in jeopardy if another camp invitee makes a strong impression this preseason. Expect more camp invitees to join Etienne on Exhibit 10 contracts in the coming weeks.
Charlotte Hornets
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 13
- Players on two-way contracts: 1
- Restricted free agents: 1
- Players who have reportedly reached contract agreements: 1
- Isaiah Whaley (Exhibit 10)
Bridges’ NBA future is uncertain following his arrest on domestic violence charges, but the Hornets are keeping a roster spot open for him as his case plays out in the legal system. The team also has one more opening on its 15-man roster and seems likely to use it on a point guard. Charlotte has been linked to veterans like Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker.
The Hornets also still have one two-way contract slot open. They could hold a preseason competition for that opening, with Whaley among the camp invitees vying to have his Exhibit 10 contract turned into a two-way deal.
Miami Heat
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 12
- Players on non-guaranteed standard contracts: 1
- Haywood Highsmith (partial guarantee)
- Players on Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
- Players on two-way contracts: 2
- Players who have reportedly reached contract agreements: 1
- Udonis Haslem (guaranteed standard contract)
Haslem’s decision to re-sign with the Heat means the team’s roster is pretty much set. With Haslem and Highsmith joining the other 12 players on guaranteed contracts, Miami will just barely be under the luxury tax line and almost certainly won’t add a 15th man until very late in the season.
The Heat’s two-way contract slots may not be set in stone, however. Days and Garrett hold those spots for now, but if a camp invitee like Bouyea, Cain or Robinson makes a major impact during the preseason, the team could make a change.
Orlando Magic
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 15
- Players on non-guaranteed standard contracts: 1
- Players on two-way contracts: 2
- Players who have reportedly reached contract agreements: 4
- Drake Jeffries (Exhibit 10), Alex Morales (Exhibit 10), Simisola Shittu (TBD), Zavier Simpson (Exhibit 10)
Barring a preseason trade involving a veteran like Ross, the Magic’s 15-man roster looks ready for opening night. And Harris and Schofield were both signed to new two-way deals this offseason, so Orlando seems unlikely to replace either player before the start of the season — Harris’ spot looks especially safe, since his two-way contract is for two years.
Although the Magic have reportedly agreed to sign more players than it has room for on its 20-man offseason roster, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Cannady and another player will have to be waived before camp to complete those signings. I’d expect Orlando to churn its back-end roster spots, signing-and-waiving one or more of those Exhibit 10 players quickly in order to secure their G League rights and/or to ensure they receive bonuses for becoming affiliate players with the Lakeland Magic.
Washington Wizards
- Players on guaranteed standard contracts: 15
- Players on Exhibit 10 contracts: 1
- Players on two-way contracts: 1
- Players who have reportedly reached contract agreements: 2
- Quenton Jackson (Exhibit 10), Davion Mintz (Exhibit 10)
Like the Magic, the Wizards have 15 players on guaranteed contracts who seem likely to make the regular season roster, barring a last-minute surprise. With one two-way contract still up for grabs though, Jackson, Mintz and other camp invitees will be looking to stand out this fall.
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