The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived former Liberty County High School basketball star Jordan McRae. McRae, in his second season with Cleveland, averaged 4.4 points a game in 37 games played in the 2016-2017 season.
The Cavs released McRae in order to clear roster space to sign Andrew Bogut, who is expected to sign with the team this weekend. They also signed 13-year veteran guard Deron Williams on Feb 27.
McRae bounced around in his first years in the NBA, originally being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 but was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the end of the night. After playing for the 76ers the NBA Summer League and spending time overseas playing for Melbourne United, he returned to the states as a member of the Delaware 87ers, the 76ers Development League affiliate.
After spending months in the D-League, McRae signed a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns. Days after his contract expired, he signed another 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and remained with the team for the rest of the season. McRae was a member of the Cavs 2016 NBA Championship team, and in the off-season, Cleveland optioned his contract for the 2016-2017 season.
Over All-Star Weekend, McRae made an appearance at Liberty County High School’s first round playoff game. He was honored at halftime and had his high school jersey retired (the first basketball player at LCHS to have his number retired).
Though McRae is now no longer with the Cavaliers, he has nothing but positive comments, taking to Instagram hours after being waived, saying this:
“All smiles here. 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 apart of Cleveland’s first ever NBA championship. The memories I will take with me for the rest of my life. Best of luck to his group of guys, brothers for life, love you guys. Thanks Cleveland.”
As of right now, McRae’s next step is still up in the air. Other NBA teams can sign McRae and he is eligible for the NBA playoffs if he gets picked up off of waivers.