NBA Moves: Nets, Drew Timme, Hawks, Lamont Butler, Magic

Nets

Brooklyn made a pair of notable roster moves Monday, releasing Dariq Whitehead and Drew Timme, as relayed by SNY’s Ian Begley.

The decision to part ways with Whitehead is especially significant. His $3.26 million salary for 2025-26 is fully guaranteed, meaning the Nets will carry that figure as dead money against the cap. Brooklyn also plans to decline his $5.37 million team option for 2026-27 once he clears waivers.

A former five-star prospect and Duke standout, Whitehead was drafted 22nd overall in 2023 but has battled multiple leg injuries since. He’s played just 22 NBA games over two seasons, averaging 5.3 points in 12.3 minutes. Still only 21, his release marks a tough turn for a player once viewed as a long-term piece.

Cutting Whitehead, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, puts Brooklyn about $16,000 above the league’s minimum salary floor — a requirement before next Tuesday’s deadline.

As for Timme, the former Gonzaga star was on a non-guaranteed deal and won’t count against the cap. The 25-year-old impressed last spring after being promoted from the G League’s Long Island Nets, averaging 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in nine NBA appearances.

The Nets haven’t ruled out bringing him back on a two-way contract, according to The New York Post’s Brian Lewis.

Brooklyn’s final standard roster spot likely comes down to Jalen Wilson or Tyrese Martin as camp winds down.

Hawks

Atlanta continued to churn through training-camp bodies, signing guards Lamont Butler, Deivon Smith, and M.J. Walker, the team announced.

All three reportedly joined on Exhibit 10 contracts, or essentially G League-friendly deals that could earn each player up to $85,300 in bonuses if they spend 60 days with the College Park Skyhawks.

Smith and Butler both suited up for the Hawks’ Summer League team, while Walker — a Georgia native — returns to his home state after stints in the G League and a brief 10-day run with Phoenix in 2022. Atlanta’s roster now sits at the offseason limit of 21.

Magic

Orlando swapped out two camp hopefuls, signing Javonte Smart and Phillip Wheeler while waiving Jalen Crutcher and Alex Morales, per a team release.

Smart, who’s logged NBA time with the Heat, Bucks, and Sixers, spent last year starring for the Osceola Magic in the G League, averaging 14.1 points and 3.9 assists.

Wheeler, a 6-foot-9 forward from Puerto Rico, made his NBA debut last season on a hardship deal with Philadelphia.

Like many end-of-camp signings, both players are on Exhibit 10 deals and are expected to land with Osceola once the preseason ends. Orlando remains at the 21-player limit.