Sonics Don’t Sign Mustaf, Cite Mistake

Three days after learning that Jerrod Mustaf is a suspect in an ongoing murder investigation, the Seattle SuperSonics parted ways with the 6-foot-10 forward.

Mustaf did not practice Friday morning with the team and checked out of his downtown hotel Friday afternoon.

Team president and general manager Wally Walker released a statement that read: “The waiver claim of Jerrod Mustaf has been deemed to be invalid, making Mustaf a free agent. The Sonics have not offered him a contract.”

The waiver claim proved invalid because the Sonics claimed Mustaf on Monday, prior to his waiver clearance.

Teams, such as the Sonics, whose salaries exceed the $24.3 million cap are barred from claiming players on the waiver list - even those willing to sign for the NBA minimum salary ($247,500).

Once a player clears waivers - following a 48-hour span - any NBA team can claim him.

Walker would not comment beyond the statement and his brevity spoke volumes. The Sonics don’t want to expose themselves to a wrongful termination suit or an equal employment opportunity commission claim.