Nets Release Dariq Whitehead and Drew Timme from Roster

The Brooklyn Nets have made significant roster changes by releasing Dariq Whitehead and Drew Timme. Both players have been let go as part of the team’s strategy to adjust their lineup and financial commitments.

Nets Release Dariq Whitehead

Dariq Whitehead’s departure is notable due to his fully guaranteed salary for the 2025/26 season valued at $3,262,560. This decision implies that the Nets will maintain a dead-money cap hit. If Whitehead clears waivers, the team will decline his $5,366,912 option for the 2026/27 season.

Whitehead, a promising 6’7″ wing, was chosen 22nd overall in the 2023 draft after a year at Duke. However, his NBA appearances have been limited to 22 games over two seasons due to injuries. Throughout his limited time on the court, he has averaged 5.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.

Drew Timme’s Non-Guaranteed Contract

Drew Timme, known for his impressive college career at Gonzaga, entered the NBA undrafted in 2023. He mostly played in the G League over two seasons before earning a two-year standard contract with the Nets last March. However, despite the team picking up his $1,955,377 contract option in June, it was non-guaranteed, allowing the Nets to waive him without a financial penalty.

During the final stretch of the previous season, Timme showcased his skills by averaging 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in roughly 28.2 minutes. Despite his contribution, the team might consider re-signing him to a two-way contract if he remains unclaimed.

Potential Roster Changes

• Jalen Wilson: Has a partially guaranteed contract that could increase significantly if he makes the team.
• Tyrese Martin: Competing for the final roster spot with a fully non-guaranteed contract.

These roster decisions leave the Nets slightly above the NBA’s minimum salary floor, addressing a necessary salary cap threshold ahead of the upcoming deadline. The roster changes indicate strategic maneuvers by Brooklyn, potentially setting the stage for renewed competition in the next season.