RealGM

Question about waivers that I can find an answer to. Does anyone know if a team can contact an agent about a player on waivers? My reasoning is, that the Boston Globe has said that Cassell will sign with the Celtics IF he clears waivers. My question comes up, because, if the Suns would get their head out of their ass, could they talk to him or his agent to gauge his interest in Phoenix (to claim him off waivers instead of letting him clear them), if he'd enjoy playing here or would he have animosity towards our F.O., Kerr or Sarver for doing so.

I don't see why not. It's clear Boston has talked to him (unless the Boston Globe hires psychics), so no reason Phoenix can't as well. But I think Cassell has had Boston in mind for a long time, so I doubt it would do any good.

There is no way that the Suns will claim Sam off of waivers. Do you know how much money it would cost them? They would have to pay the prorated amount of his remaing salary, which is about $1.7M. Then they would have to pay luxury tax on the total of his $6.15M salary. Which means Sam would cost them $7.85M. Just isn't gonna happen.

BTW, it will cost Boston about $426K to sign Sam, $213K in prorated salary & $213K in luxury tax. It would obviously be the same for Phoenix if they could convice him to sign there.

Actually, I should change my answer. I'm pretty sure that OFFICIALLY, nobody is allowed to talk to Sam until after he has cleared waivers. Before that time he is still property of the Clippers, and talking with him would be tampering.

UNOFFICIALLY, I'm sure it happens all the time.

You pay more if you claim someone off waivers, but you can contact a player about signing a small deal