The Cavs waived second-year guard Jordan McRae to clear a roster space for center Andrew Bogut, the team announced.
McRae, 25, averaged 4.4 points in 37 games this season. The 6-6 guard out of Tennessee was Cleveland’s leading scorer during the preseason and is close friends with All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.
McRae was at his best for the Cavs during their end of regular season run last year prior to winning the NBA championship.
Selfie time for @JordyMac52 with @KingJames and @RealTristan13! @Cavs #Cavs @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/rEUQxI9Ela
— Jeff D Lowe (@JeffDLowe) November 10, 2016
McRae had some break out games during the end of season run for the Cavs. His best was a 47 minute effort against the Detroit Pistons where he went off for 36 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
McRae played one season with the Melbourne United before securing the two year deal with the Cavaliers. In the NBL he was able to deliver a 32 point game, 3 rebounds and 4 assist effort against the Illawarra Hawks, but didn’t come close to his explosion against Aron Bayne’s Pistons.
The other candidate to be released was DeAndre Liggins.
“All smiles here,” McRae said on his Instagram account. “Not a bad thing to say about any player or anybody that has anything to do with this organization. I’m proud to say I am a part of Cleveland’s first-ever NBA championship. The memories I will take with me for the rest of my life.
“Best of luck to this great group of guys, brothers for life love you guys. Thanks Cleveland.”
By waiving McRae today, he is eligible for the playoffs with another team. McRae’s salary of about $875,000 became guaranteed in January. He made four starts this season.
Bogut is expected to sign with the Cavs once clearing waivers at 5 p.m. today.