The news came as a bitter blow to the 29-year-old Israeli, who in nine seasons in the NBA and over 500 games has never participated in the playoffs.

Casspi was omitted from the squad to make way for new signing Quinn Cook. But he took the news well and said. “I love you guys. I understand. I want to stay in the NBA and I have learned so much this year with the Warriors.”

Casspi has been plagued by injury since January and over the season averaged 5.7 points per game. He also declined the chance to light one of the Independence Day torches in Jerusalem next week because he thought he would be involved in the playoffs.