The Phoenix Suns have opted to release Austin Rivers, only days after acquiring him in trade from the Washington Wizards.
After trade with Wizards, Suns agree to part ways with G Austin Rivers, per ESPN sources. Rivers – earning $12.6M in final year of deal – becomes a free agent upon clearing waivers. As a veteran, sides concluded Rivers fits better on an older team that's pursuing playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 18, 2018
Initial reports seem to indicate that Rivers was released and not bought out, meaning the Suns will be on the hook for his entire salary.