A lot of the talk this offseason surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves has been about Anthony Bennett and his future with the team. Minnesota has an extremely deep frontcourt and 16 guaranteed contracts heading into training camp so something is going to have to be done in order to get the roster down to 15. Despite Bennett showing improvement this summer with Team Canada the Timberwolves are reportedly moving towards a buyout of the former number one overall pick, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
The news on Bennett this offseason has kind of been all over the place as the Timberwolves were reportedly trying to trade him for a while, but then just last week owner Glen Taylor said not to assume he'd be gone because he's had a great summer. Now it seems clear that Bennett is on his way out of Wolves' organization but they will have to go the buyout route as they have been unable to find any trade partners.
Bennett has reportedly also been interested in getting a buyout as he understood the situation he was in with Minnesota and wants to go to a situation where there is more potential playing time and opportunity. Bennett is scheduled to make $5.8 million this year with a team option for 2016-17 and as of right now there are only two teams that would be able to take on his contract and they are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers. If Bennett passes through waivers without being claimed he would become a free agent and choose which team he plays with next season.
Bennett is still just 22 years old and although he was a surprise first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers many considered him a lottery talent in the 2013 NBA Draft so there will be teams willing to give him a shot. Bennett hasn't showed much in his NBA career but he did have a good FIBA Americas tournament with Canada where he averaged 7.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on 65 percent shooting.
Bennett has struggled with weight issues and injury troubles since getting to the NBA which has helped in his career averages of 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and 39 percent field goal shooting in his two seasons. The 6 foot-8 forward was healthy this summer and does have a lot of talent so whichever team gives him the next opportunity should be getting a highly motivated player with a lot to prove.
