Anthony Bennett's salary to be cut to $3.6MM in buyout deal, per @APkrawczynski. See more: http://t.co/3zHmhGppge pic.twitter.com/NfsdBIRqt2
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) September 23, 2015
The Minnesota Timberwolves officially announced Wednesday they have waived forward Anthony Bennett.
The team had been working on a buyout with the 22-year-old Bennett, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Minnesota acquired Bennett along with Andrew Wiggins in the trade that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland.
More from the #Twolves on the waiving of Anthony Bennett here: http://t.co/M4X94tAwSZ pic.twitter.com/sc8hyaGCI2
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 23, 2015
Bennett averaged 5.2 points and 15.7 minutes per game last year for the Wolves in 57 contests. As was the case during his rookie season in Cleveland though, Bennett continued to battle injuries last year and the move became necessary for the Wolves, who needed to trim their roster.
Wolves general manager Milt Newton issued a statement through the team saying the move was the best outcome for both parties.
“When you look at our team, our deepest position is probably power forward. This move balances our our roster while allowing Anthony another opportunity in the NBA. He has a lot of talent and his play this summer internationally made this a difficult decision for us.”
The Wolves will also save some money off the nearly $6 million that Bennett was scheduled to make this season.
Wolves officially announce Bennett buyout, a move that saves them a little more than $2 million. Milt Newton called it "best" for both sides
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) September 23, 2015
For the most part, Bennett’s two seasons in the NBA (one with Cleveland, one with Minnesota) have been a struggle.
Anthony Bennett’s NBA career averages, ranks among No. 1 picks since 1966:
PPG: 4.7, worst
FG pct: 39.3, worst
Win shares: -0.1, worst— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 22, 2015
According to the Bleacher Report, Bennett will still have some options in the NBA. The report notes there is still a reason for team’s to invest in Bennett’s potential, especially now that he can be picked up at a bargain.
Bennett did show some signs of improvement last month while playing for the Canadian national team.
