Report: Suns waive Davon Reed to free up room for Jamal Crawford

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, after no movement was made before yesterday’s roster cut down deadline, the Phoenix Suns have waived Davon Reed after presumably failing to find a trading partner for him elsewhere.

Reed was taken near the top of the second round after Josh Jackson was taken No. 4 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Tyler Ulis, taken 34th in 2016, was released before July and Alec Peters, taken later in the second round in Reed’s year, was let go after Las Vegas Summer League. Now Reed has joined them after a disappointing preseason.

In 21 career games on the Suns’ main roster — Reed bounced back-and-forth from G League affiliate Northern Arizona following his meniscus tear that occurred in summer team workouts, the second injury to that knee — the former Miami Hurricane averaged 3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists while shooting only 28.9% from the floor in 11.5 minutes.

Former general manager Ryan McDonough selected Reed over names like Semi Ojeleye (was in final workout with Reed, both back for second workouts likely deciding that pick), Dillon Brooks and Jordan Bell just to name a few. Even though second-round picks aren’t expected to pop often, for a team like Phoenix, they need it to pan out with Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton after plenty of misses over the past few years.

Taking Reed’s place on the roster will be Jamal Crawford, who will sign his contract and presumably participate in shootaround before tomorrow’s season opener against the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix chose immediate impact and veteran stability over spending more time developing a prospect like Reed.

It’s still possible one of Shaquille Harrison or Reed make it through waivers, allowing the Suns the opportunity to sign either to their second two-way contract alongside George King.

Combining both the 2016 and 2017 draft classes, only one of six selections could possibly pan out. Dragan Bender is on the verge of getting his fourth-year team option declined to open up more cap space to chase max free agents, while Josh Jackson needs to show more consistency and improved shooting over the next year to pan out himself. When you put that into perspective, that’s a crippling blow to almost completely whiff on two drafts when slotted six picks, including a pair of top four selections.