Grizzlies waive D'Angelo Russell before ever playing him

Memphis waived D'Angelo Russell on Friday after failing to find a trade partner, eating his roughly $5.9 million salary rather than stretching it, according to Shams Charania.

Russell never played a game for the Grizzlies, having bounced from Dallas to Washington to Memphis without suiting up for either of the last two teams.

ESPN's Bobby Marks noted Memphis had 17 guaranteed contracts and needed to trim to 15 before the October 19 deadline. The team added Braden Hausen as part of the same roster move and still needs to cut four more players before the season starts.

Separately, Dallas re-signed Dwight Powell on a deal only guaranteed at $500,000 until he makes the roster, according to Marc Stein. Center Dereck Lively remains without medical clearance for camp, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, after foot surgery limited him to seven games last season.