Nets waive Whitehead and Timme to trim roster ahead of cutdown

The Brooklyn Nets waived guard Dariq Whitehead and forward Drew Timme on Monday as the team moves to finalize its regular-season roster ahead of the leagueʼs cutdown deadline. The transactions free two spots on the standard roster and leave Brooklyn roughly $161,000 above the league minimum salary floor as it prepares to trim to a 15-player active roster.

Whitehead, 21, was a first-round pick in 2023 and had a fully guaranteed salary for 2025-26, which the Nets will still owe under the terms of his deal. The former Duke freshman arrived in Brooklyn with a reputation as an elite high school prospect but struggled to establish himself after a series of injuries and surgeries that limited his availability and athleticism. He appeared in 22 NBA games over his first two seasons, averaging about 5 points in limited minutes, and spent much of his time with the Netsʼ G League affiliate. The Nets also will decline a team option for 2026-27 if Whitehead clears waivers, a move that would make him a free agent.

Timme, 25, signed a multiyear deal late in the 2024-25 season after an extensive collegiate career at Gonzaga and a strong G League campaign. He averaged 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds...