Report: Timberwolves and former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett working on a contract buyout http://t.co/VjVHwAVriB pic.twitter.com/dlOEPfZgC7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 21, 2015
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly trying to buy out the contract of former top pick Anthony Bennett.
Bennett, the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2013 NBA draft, was acquired by Minnesota last year in the Kevin Love trade, along with 2014’s top pick Andrew Wiggins.
According to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Bennett’s reps have been eager for a buyout to offer him a chance for more playing time elsewhere. The Wolves are hoping the buyout can save them some of the $6 million on Bennett’s contract and allow them to get back down to 15 guaranteed contracts.
Yahoo Sources: Minnesota progressing on contract buyout with former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett. He would be free agent if clears waivers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2015
Bennett averaged 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds a game in 57 games for the Wolves last year. He also shot just over 42 percent from the floor – all were improvements over his rookie season.
Bennett posted even better numbers while playing for Canada in the FIBA Americas tournament. While there he averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and shot 64.7 percent from the floor.
According to @WojYahooNBA (http://t.co/gmSpyh5bT1), MIN tried trading Bennett, but couldn't move him. Makes sense due to $5,803,560 salary.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) September 21, 2015
According to the Star Tribune, the Wolves haven’t been able to trade Bennett.
Some might say Minnesota is giving up on the 22-year-old, 6-foot-8 power forward too soon. But Pro Basketball Talk notes the Wolves are “stacked up front.” Their rotation already includes 2015 No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Garnett, Nikola Pekovic, Gorgui Dieng and Adriean Payne.
Bennett has shown some potential to become a serviceable player, but he has struggled with weight and injuries since Cleveland took him with the top pick in 2013.
If someone gives Bennett another shot, it will be his third team in as many NBA seasons.
