Report: Omri Casspi clears waivers to become free agent
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The Sacramento Kings were expected to put a waiver claim on Omri Casspi after he was waived almost instantly by the New Orleans Pelicans upon being acquired in a three-team sign-and-trade.
However, things reportedly haven't worked out that way.
ESPN sources say that Omri Casspi, in a surprise, has just cleared waivers and is a free agent
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 25, 2014
Casspi was expected to be claimed by the Kings, who he spent two seasons with between 2009 and 2011, due to his favorable minimum contract. With Sacramento possessing the seventh-worst record in the season last year, only six teams would have been able to top the franchise in a waiver claim.
But, as pointed out by Stein, Casspi clearing waivers actually helps the Kings in their bid to land the 26-year-old native of Israel.
Casspi clearing waivers actually helps Sacramento's bid to sign him. Kings can now add OC AND keep Quincy Acy without going into luxury tax
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 25, 2014
Based on my famously dodgy math, Casspi's current contract would have exceeded Sacramento's mere $976,295 under the tax line. This way ...
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 25, 2014
This way Casspi can sign deal that only counts for $915,243 on Kings' cap and allows SAC to keep Quincy Acy as opposed to waiving him first
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 25, 2014