Milwaukee Bucks Talking Buyout With Centre Larry Sanders

This early in his young NBA career, Milwaukee Bucks centre has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In the past year, the defensive stalwart figured in a nightclub brawl, missed some games for personal reasons, got suspended for violating the league’s drug policy for the fifth time and now he is set to be bought out by the team that just granted him a $44 million extension two years ago.

The buyout talk comes in the heels of Sanders’ completion of 10-game suspension after testing positive for marijuana use. The team has decided to list more personal reasons for his continued absence on the court and the truth has reared its ugly head that both parties are in discussions regarding a mutual separation. Bucks coach Jason Kidd was coy when asked last week on the status of the former starting centre and said that the matter will be resolved during the All-Star break.

For his part, Sanders has been trying to get back on his feet after reports that he is retiring this early in his career and is no longer interested in pursuing an NBA career. He refuted those claims the last time he was active for an NBA game and said that he is trying to recover from all the controversies and is righting the ship.

"But, what is true," Sanders told reporters during the Jan. 6 game against the Phoenix Suns, "is that I'm in the process of working things out now to do as best for my psyche and my physical health going forward. There's a lot of evaluating going on. "

If the buyout process materializes, Sanders will be free to choose from a multitude of suitors looking to add a defensive presence. The marijuana history is a baggage for some interested teams but the high risk-low reward of a player as young as Sanders will keep a lot of teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trailblazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers in the mix.

The Bucks will have to absorb the final 2 and a half years of Sanders contract and presumably use the stretch provision in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Instead of shelling out almost 11 million a year for a player who is no longer in the roster, the Bucks can opt to spread the amount to a 7-year timeframe and Sanders’ salary will just take up just around $4.7 million of the cap.

For concerns on this story, contact the author at v.hidalgo@ibtimes.com.au.