Nets waive DeAndre' Bembry to create roster space for blockbuster trade

The Nets are waiving veteran swingman DeAndre’ Bembry, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Brooklyn was required to cut a player in order to complete the team’s blockbuster deal with the Sixers. The Nets are acquiring three players — Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond — in that trade and sending out two (James Harden and Paul Millsap).

Bembry, 27, has played well for Brooklyn in 2021-22, beginning the season on a partially guaranteed contract and earning a full guarantee based on his strong performance. In 48 games (19.8 MPG), he has averaged 5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds on .568/.417/.600 shooting while providing defensive versatility.

Bembry will likely draw interest around the league as a free agent, or even before he clears waivers, since any team could claim his one-year, minimum-salary contract using a minimum-salary exception. If Bembry goes unclaimed, Brooklyn will be on the hook for his full $1,669,178 cap hit.