The Wolves are making progress on a contract buyout with former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports (on Twitter). Bennett, as Wojnarowski points out, would be a free agent if he clears waivers.
Bennett’s representatives have wanted a contract buyout to allow him the chance for greater playing time, Wojnarowski reports in a full story. The Wolves have a deep frontcourt, Wojnarowski adds, so there is not much of a future for him with the franchise.
Bennett is owed $5.8MM and the Wolves currently have 16 guaranteed contracts, former Nets executive Bobby Marks tweets. Marks adds that only the Sixers and Blazers have enough room to claim Bennett and the Cavs are the only team with a big enough Traded Player Exception (Twitter link).
It is worth noting that a decision looms by November 2nd on Bennett’s team option for 2016/17, worth $7,318,289. The possible move comes as a surprise to many, including Basketball Insiders’ Alex Kennedy, who points out (on Twitter) that Bennett is still only 22 and entering his third year in the league.
Making the news even more surprising is that Bennett played well for the Canadian national team during the summer, and Wolves owner Glen Taylor recently downplayed the idea that the Wolves will trade the power forward. Prior to that, however, Wolves had reportedly been willing to move Bennett for the right return.
After the showing he had with team Canada I would have thought he would get more of a chance. Minnesota has alot of young bigs that need playing time but it seems like they could have used another year to evaluate him since they are no lock for the playoffs
Would love to see philly nab him and give him 30 mins/82 games starting.
Blazers should take a stab at him. There not a playoff team and maybe u cacth lighting in a bottle. Another young piece to team with lillard
Spurs could make him a role player. I hope he goes there.
I hope he clears waivers then joins Portland so he can be reunited with his Canadian Coach Jay Triano. He’s a good player than just needs a chance. He probably wont be a superstar but he could be a real good player in the NBA.