The Minnesota Timberwolves obtained Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ryan Hollins and Ramon Sessions last week, but as expected, only Telfair figures to suit up for them in the season ahead. On the team website this morning, Minnesota announced it has waived West.
The move has nothing to do with West’s talent and everything to do with saving money. His $4.5 million salary for the 2010/11 season would have become fully guaranteed if still on the roster by Thursday. Waiving him now means he’s owed just $500,000 this season, and makes him an unrestricted free agent. The Wolves save $4 million, in other words, and avoid having to handle his ongoing legal problems stemming from weapons charges in Maryland.
West, who can play either guard position, is a six-year veteran. He owns career averages of 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.