Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports that the Wizards finalized their roster yesterday by waiving George McCloud and Bobby Simmons. This means that Ratko Varda will make the team even though he has seen limited minutes because of injury.

"We never really got a chance to see Varda," Wizards Coach Doug Collins said. "I feel bad for Bobby. When I told him this morning it was one of the hardest things I've had to do because he was one of the nicest people I've ever met -- and he's good."

McCloud?s release was expected. He was just acquired from the Nuggets in exchange for Chris Whitney but the Wizards never seemed like they wanted him on the roster. The trade was made to give Whitney a chance to play somewhere else.

The team spent most of Monday unsuccessfully trying to negotiate a buyout of McCloud?s salary this season. No agreement could be reached, so the team will pay the entire $2.6 million. After he clears waivers, McCloud will be able to sign with any team for the veterans minimum.

I have to wait two days to get cleared on waivers but I'm not stressed," McCloud told the Denver Post. "Whatever happens, happens, but I feel I will get picked up." Milwaukee, Boston and Orlando have expressed interest in McCloud, according to a league source.