If you don't need the spokes...get that freewheel / cassette off first and cut away...
If the spokes have a history of good tension and no breakage - even moreso - if they are DT's or Wheelsmith's - reduce tension and unlace.
With radial wheels - detension a little at a time in cycles...otherwise don't get overly concerned with possible hub or rim damage. It it a lot easier to detension the non-drive or non-disc side of a wheel first.
=8-)
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5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life