The 2025 NBA Draft, which is always rife with anticipation, is over. The subsequent free agent bonanza has ended as well. As the 2025-26 season draws nearer, the final form of NBA rosters are taking shape, teams now having the opportunity to assess players through training camp and competitive exhibitions. However, not every move that teams have made in preparation for the upcoming season seems to have truly been optimal.
Worst Moves Of NBA’s 2025-26 Waiver Deadline Weekend
Boston Celtics – Waiving RJ Luis Jr.
On Oct. 15, the Boston Celtics opted to waive undrafted rookie RJ Luis despite him being on a two-way contract, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. However, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown‘s injury statuses, they need players who can operate from the wing. Luis isn’t going to replace Tatum or Brown, but he’s a natural scorer averaged 18.2 points per game in 2024-25 and a respectable defender as well.
Brooklyn Nets – Waiving Dariq Whitehead
On Oct. 13, the Brooklyn Nets waive first-round pick Dariq Whitehead (h/t Scotto). True enough, his injury history didn’t make it easy for them to keep him. Since being drafted in 2023, he’s played just 22 games in the NBA. Even so, he’s a career 42.9% 3-point shooter who also shot 42.9% from 3 in college.
Even if he never fully regains his pre-injury form, former Blue Devil Dariq Whitehead at 100% or not is still very talented than most. His talent demands a roster spot…. he’ll be back soon.
pic.twitter.com/OVzByKUF8Q— Blue Devil Voices (@DukeEchoes) October 18, 2025
The resilience he’s shown in coming back from injuries is also the type of intangible trait that enhances team culture.
Charlotte Hornets – Waiving Eric Dixon
Undrafted rookie Eric Dixon was waived on Oct. 18, the team announced. What’s strange about this move is that Dixon, listed at 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds in college, converted 38.7% of his 3s at Villanova. He’s one of the only stretch-forwards on the roster that was likely to shoot above league-average from deep in 2025-26.
Dallas Mavericks – Waiving Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
The Dallas Mavericks were wise to shore up their center depth this offseason.
However, they decided to leave Jeremiah Robinson-Earl out of the picture, waiving him on Oct. 17 (h/t Mavs PR). A floor-spacing big, he would’ve offered the Mavs a different dynamic than Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II or Dwight Powell.
Golden State Warriors – Waiving Seth Curry
On Oct. 18, the Golden State Warriors released Seth Curry, per a news release (h/t The Stein Line insider Marc Stein). To be fair, the Warriors are expected to re-sign him in November, salary cap constraints preventing him from being on the roster right now. Nevertheless, releasing Stephen Curry‘s little brother just days before the season opener is ideal.
Indiana Pacers – Waiving Cam Payne
Perhaps the Indiana Pacers decided to waive veteran Cam Payne on Oct. 18 (h/t Scotto) because they didn’t like what they saw this preseason. Yet, Payne has been in the NBA for 10 years, and that should hold more weight. All of that being said, the Pacers will now limp into the regular season with questionable point guard depth.
Miami Heat – Waiving Precious Achiuwa
On Oct. 18, the Miami Heat had waived big man Precious Achiuwa, per a team announcement.
OFFICIAL: The Miami HEAT have waived Precious Achiuwa, Dain Dainja, Bez Mbeng and Ethan Thompson.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 18, 2025
For a player who has played at least 20 minutes per game each of the last four seasons, this comes as a shock. That’s not even factoring in their rather threadbare center depth.
Phoenix Suns – Waiving Jared Butler
On the one hand, it’s understandable why the Phoenix Suns wanted to hold onto Jordan Goodwin after his preseason performance. However, Jared Butler —waived on Oct. 17 (h/t Scotto) —was impressive as well. He also plays the position that the Suns have been trying to find an answer for since Chris Paul‘s departure.
Toronto Raptors – Waiving Ulrich Chomche
Ulrich Chomche, a fascinating big man who the Toronto Raptors drafted in 2024, is in a different situation than other players who were recently waived. Due to an undisclosed medical condition, he’ll have to be cleared by the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play Panel to return, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. Even so, unless they truly believed this to be a high hurdle, they just wasted a second-round pick.
Utah Jazz – Waiving Mo Bamba
At this point, there might not be anybody expecting Mo Bamba to have a star turn. However, he’s still an athletic and serviceable shot-blocker who can stretch the floor. Last season, the team’s lack of length when Walker Kessler on the floor was problematic. They do now have a true seven-footer in Jusuf Nurkic. Yet, Nurkic has only played 60+ games once in the past six seasons while Kessler remains on the trade block and Bamba has been released (h/t Scotto).
Washington Wizards – Waiving Kadary Richmond
The Washington Wizards claim to want a defensive foundation but keep prioritizing guards that aren’t known for their prowess at that end. Undrafted rookie point guard Kadary Richmond was unlikely to play much, if any, this upcoming season. Nevertheless, he probably would have value both situationally and in practice settings, at the least. Instead, the Wizards waived him on Oct. 18, per the team PR’s department.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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