Phoenix Suns confirm opening night roster as three players waived

The Phoenix Suns have waived three players as the franchise establishes its final roster ahead of the regular season. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Saben Lee and Adonis Arms, each on training camp deals, have failed to earn further contracts.

The news comes after Frank Jackson was waived earlier in the week, with the team comfortable with how their roster sits despite the ongoing absence of Jae Crowder.

The Phoenix Suns have finalized their roster, now heading into the regular season with 14 fully contracted players and a pair on two-way deals.

It was always going to be difficult for Lee and Arms, with both players brought in late into training camp. It meant the pair had only days, and just one preseason game to impress the coaching staff and front office. Even then, only Lee saw courttime having played 14 minutes in the loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

Luwawu-Cabarrot was given extended opportunity, but he too was always up against it to gain the vacant 15th roster spot. The frenchman averaged 20.6 minutes in three preseason outings, averaging eight points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He shot just 40% from the floor and 16.7% from three-point range, numbers that were never going to convince the franchise to hold onto him.

The cuts come among a slew of moves across the league, with some notable names waived over the past few days. Former Sun Josh Jackson was let go by the Toronto Raptors, as was Stanley Johnson by the Utah Jazz.

Veteran big man Derrick Favours was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, now presenting as a valuable pickup for contending teams. Former Sun Ty Jerome was converted to a two-way deal by pacific rivals the Golden State Warriors.

James Jones can now turn his focus to securing a trade for Jae Crowder, although patience may prove valuable in that transaction. Phoenix may have flexibility with the 15th roster spot, but it’ll take a major difference-maker given the financial implications.