Turner: Clippers Expected to Waive Swingman C.J. Williams

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: C.J. Williams #9 of the LA Clippers gets past Travis Wear #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 115-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: C.J. Williams #9 of the LA Clippers gets past Travis Wear #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Staples Center on April 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 115-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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Per the LA Times’ Brad Turner, the LA Clippers are expected to waive swingman C.J. Williams, bringing their roster total down to 17.

While still unofficial, it seems all but certain that the LA Clippers will waive swingman C.J. Williams very soon.

According to the LA Times’ Brad Turner, the Clippers are expecting to waive Williams, bringing their roster down to 17 players. However, only 16 of those players have guaranteed contracts.

Williams joined the Clippers via two-way contract, and made his NBA debut in November. He didn’t receive significant minutes until early December, when he began playing upwards of 20 and 30 per game. In total, he appeared in 38 games, 17 of which were starts.

During his rookie season, the 27-year-old Williams averaged 5.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Consistent at the line, Williams was able to connect on over 80% of his free throw attempts as well. However, he never really struck a groove from three-point range, shooting just 28% from deep.

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Williams is best known for his late-game heroics against the Atlanta Hawks in January. Down two with roughly 10 seconds on the clock, he hoisted up a three that became the eventual game-winner. He finished the game with 15 points, three shy of his career-high.

As previously mentioned, in waiving Williams, the Clippers will bring their roster total down to 17, two over the league maximum. Turner mentions that only 16 contracts are guaranteed, however, with the one non-guaranteed salary belonging to Patrick Beverley. His contract certainly won’t be waived though, so the Clippers will have to look elsewhere to bring their roster down.

This can be achieved through trades, which would be the most logical financial option. By doing so, LA wouldn’t have to waive players on guaranteed contracts, which would force a payout. If other teams are willing to take salary dumps in exchange fir cash considerations and/or picks, the Clippers would likely pursue that sort of deal.

With a slew of guards on the roster, it’s expected that two of Tyrone Wallace, Jawun Evans, or Milos Teodosic do not return next season.