Forward Jason Maxiell was waived Friday morning by the Orlando Magic, making him the fourth player from a team that went 23-59 last season to be released this week.
Maxiell, 31, was scheduled to make $2.5 million in the final year of the contract he signed with the Magic last July. By waiving him before July 10, that money is no longer owed to him and counts toward the amount the Magic can use to sign free agents later this month or in years to come.
After eight seasons with the Detroit Pistons, Maxiell joined the Magic and started at power forward in their first 10 games while Glen Davis and Tobias Harris were out due to injuries. Once they returned, Maxiell's minutes were severely curtailed. Of the 34 games in which he played, only five came after Jan. 13.
He averaged only 3.2 points, the lowest figure since his rookie season of 2005-06, and 2.5 rebounds.
The Magic had waived guards Jameer Nelson, Doron Lamb and Ronnie Price before doing the same with Maxiell. Of those four players, Lamb was the only one not over the age of 30.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.
