Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders reportedly is considering accepting a buyout from the team. Meanwhile, with the trade deadline days away, the Sacramento Kings are still said to be shopping rookie guard Nik Stauskas, whom Milwaukee was recently linked to.
Sanders's 12-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy is over, but it's uncertain when - or if - he will return to the court. All reports indicate Sanders wants to continue his NBA career, but it may not be with the Bucks. Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy reported Sanders is going through a "really tough time" with issues off the court and is considering accepting a buyout.
"Larry Sanders is considering taking (a) buyout from Bucks, according to sources. He's undecided if he'll take it, but it's being discussed," Kennedy tweeted Monday. "... Larry Sanders is going through a really tough time right now and basketball is the furthest thing from his mind."
It's uncertain what Sanders is going through. He was suspended after testing positive for marijuana, and he reportedly has since vowed to quit using the drug in favor of resuming his career. He has three years and $33 million left on his contract.
On one front, Milwaukee is trying to sort out everything with Sanders. On another, they appear to be considering whether to make a move before Thursday's deadline passes. Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times reported Wednesday the Bucks were still being linked to trade rumors involving Stauskas, and Kennedy reported Sunday the young 2-guard was still available to be had.
"Kings have been offering a package that includes Nik Stauskas to see what it could return, per sources," Kennedy tweeted. "Seems SAC wants to make splashy move."
Sacramento also reportedly wants to move veteran Jason Thompson's undesirable contract, which Milwaukee could be forced to take back if they really wanted Stauskas.
