Maalik Wayns waived by 76ers

Marc Stein, an NBA correspondant for ESPN is reporting on Twitter that former Villanovan, Maalik Wayns, has been waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Also: Maalik Wayns (PHI). As noted in Weekend Dime, MON 5PM is buzzer to waive players w/non-guaranteed deals or else they become guaranteed

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 6, 2013

Wayns was averaging, 2.5ppg and 1 assist in the 20 NBA games he appeared in for the Sixers. He made one start for Philly on December 19th; a loss at Houston.

Ways could still end up finishing the season with the Sixers. Their move simply means that they didn't believe his performance so far was worth guaranteeing his contract the rest of the way. He will have to clear waivers first, but assuming he does (which means no other team wants to offer a guaranteed deal), the Sixers will be able to offer him a 10-day contract (or a series of them) after the guarantee deadline.

According to ESPN.com:

The option of signing players to 10-day deals usually comes into play leaguewide on Jan. 5, but that date was pushed back 48 hours this season to the first available business day because Jan. 5 falls on a Saturday.

The Sixers haven't indicated whether or not retaining him through the use of 10-day contracts is in their plans. It takes 48 hours for a player to clear waivers, and the Sixers won't be able to act before that period. In the meantime, they have recalled 6-11 forward/center Arnett Moultrie from the D-League.

According to ESPN.com Wayns was earning only a minimum $473,604 with the Sixers, making him a very affordable option for them.