Kings Waive Scotty Hopson

WEDNESDAY, 2:24pm: The move is official, the team announced.

TUESDAY, 11:15pm: The Kings have waived swingman Scotty Hopson, according to the RealGM transactions log, though the team has yet to make an official announcement. His nearly $1.451MM salary is non-guaranteed, so it won’t stick on Sacramento’s books. Reports on Monday indicated that the Alberto Ebanks client was moving close to a deal with Italy’s Enel Brindisi even as he remained on the Kings roster, but representatives from the Italian team denied that they were pursuing him. In any case, Hopson will have to wait at least another two days to sign to play in Italy or anywhere else, since he’ll need to clear waivers first.

The 25-year-old former University of Tennessee standout has two games of NBA experience, but he’s already been with five NBA teams after signing with the Cavs at the end of March. Cleveland appeared to add Hopson chiefly to use him as a trade chip, and he was involved in four swaps this summer, passing through the Hornets, Pelicans and Rockets on his way to Sacramento. He’s spent most of his pro career overseas since going undrafted in 2011, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to international ball.

Sacramento has deals with 18 players following Hopson’s departure, leaving the Kings with two open preseason roster spots to fill if they choose. It would make sense if Sacramento were to also release Alonzo Gee, the other player the team acquired in the Jason Terry trade, though that’s just my speculation. Gee’s $3MM salary is also non-guaranteed.

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