The newly-acquired Sasha Pavlović will be waived by the Phoenix Suns.

In order to avoid the luxury tax, the Phoenix Suns had to cut contracts. Phoenix received the okay to buy out Pavlović’s contract, making tehe 6-7 guard/forward from Serbia a free-agent.

After five years, Pavlovic was traded from the Cleveland Cavs, along with Ben Wallace in exchange for Shaquille O’Neal, who will team up with LeBron James this coming NBA season.

Phoenix has already bought out Ben Wallace’s contract who eventually re-signed with the Detroit Pistons.

With the move today the Suns will save roughly $18 million in salaries and luxury tax.

“(The moves) allowed us to re-sign Grant (Hill) and Channing (Frye). It also frees up some minutes for Robin Lopez, Earl Clark and Lou Amundson. This is more about moving forward.” said Steve Kerr, the Suns General Manager.

The 25-year old Pavlovic averaged 5.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in his six year NBA career.