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Former Syracuse Basketball Player Involved in Unique NBA Transaction
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- Former Syracuse Basketball Player Involved in Unique NBA Transaction
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Although former Syracuse basketball player Dion Waiters has not played in the NBA in nearly six years, the Orange guard was a part of a unique transaction involving the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
Why? Huh? What is going on? Here's what you need to know.
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Who is Dion Waiters?
A high school All-American guard from Philadelphia , Waiters signed with the Orange in 2010. In just two seasons in Central New York, Waiters became a breakout player for Jim Boeheim's team. In his sophomore season, Waiters was named the 2012 BIG EAST Sixth Man of the Year. The Orange finished the season with 34 wins and reached the Elite 8. Following the season, Waiters declared for the NBA, where he was selected fourth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In eight seasons in the NBA, Waiters played for the Cavaliers, along with the Miami Heat , and Oklahoma City Thunder.
In his eighth and final season in the NBA, Waiters was a part of the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers that won an NBA title.
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What was the report involving Waiters and the Lakers?
NBA reporter Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype tweeted the following:
"The Los Angeles Lakers have officially renounced the free agent rights to LeBron James , Carmelo Anthony , Dwight Howard , Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard , Marcus Smart , Maxi Kleber , Nick Smith Jr , Jared Dudley , Avery Bradley , Jaxson Hayes , Markieff Morris , and Wayne Ellington."
Why is this happening years after Waiters left the team?
The Lakers made this move, which included Waiters, along LeBron James and others, in an effort to clear cap space to target free agents. There is now no longer a chance of a sign-and-trade involving these players.
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It's largely procedural, but it gets these players off the Lakers books for good.
Social media's reaction to the report
Scotto's tweet gained over 2 million views on the social media platform "X." Some users reacted to the mention of the former Orange guard with messages like:
Louhausen who wrote: "Lakers Legend Dion Waiters"
Kevin wrote " Hawks can no longer acquire Dion Waiters in any sign-and-trades with the Lakers."
While Lakers France wrote " Years we've been waiting to finally be able to express ourselves: thank you for everything, Dion Waiters."
Other Syracuse basketball news
--The Orange have secured another time and date for a non-conference opponent. Find out when Syracuse will host Central Connecticut State this season
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--The TBT tips off later this month. What former Syracuse basketball players have already been confirmed for this year's event?
--Plus the NBA Summer League will feature multiple former Syracuse basketball players. We laid out the schedule for when and how you can watch former Orange players in action.
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