Nets Waive Former First-Round Pick Darius Bazley

The Nets have waived forward Darius Bazley, the team announced in a press release.

Bazley, 23, is 6-foot-8 and was originally selected with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He opted not to play after his high school season, instead working on his game independently as he waited a year to become eligible for the draft.

So far, that plan has proven not to be fruitful, as Bazley has yet to find a consistent role with a team. He spent the first three years of his career with the Thunder, before being traded to the Suns at the February deadline. Phoenix opted not to issue a qualifying offer at the end of the season.

In 43 total appearances last season, Bazley averaged 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 45 percent from the field and 38 percent on 3-pointers. He could potentially find a path back to the NBA through the G League, and is perhaps in line to play for the Long Island Nets next.

Brooklyn has 19 players under contract with one of its three two-way slots still available.