Forward Grant Nelson and guard Hunter Cattoor, who had been on Exhibit 10 contracts with the Nets, have been waived, the team announced today (Twitter link via Keith Smith of Spotrac).
The moves had been expected, since Nelson and Cattoor are considered likely to end up with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate. They each be eligible to earn a bonus worth up to $85,300 if they spend at least 60 days with Long Island.
Nelson, a 6’11” power forward, went undrafted in June. The 23-year-old played his first three college seasons at North Dakota State before transferring to Alabama for his final two years. He averaged 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a super-senior in 2024/25
Cattoor played five college seasons for Virginia Tech prior to going undrafted in 2024. The 24-year-old guard spent last season with BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque in France’s top basketball league, averaging 8.5 points while shooting 37.2% from long distance in 25 games.
Even after today’s cuts, Brooklyn’s roster isn’t quite ready for the regular season. The team is still carrying 16 players on standard contracts, including 14 on guaranteed deals. Someone will need to be traded or waived by Monday in order to set the opening night roster. The Nets are operating right around the NBA’s minimum salary floor and will want to make sure they end up above that threshold before the season begins so that they don’t forward their end-of-season luxury tax payment.
The Nets also still have a two-way slot open, but none of their current 16 players are eligible to be converted to that opening without passing through waivers first.
Jalen Wilson is likely to be the odd man out. I’m not sure if his contact can be fully guaranteed to ensure they remain above the floor.