Milwaukee Bucks Discussing Buyout with Larry Sanders

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly ready to part ways with Larry Sanders their troubled center. Discussions between both sides have started for a possible buyout, which would allow Sanders the right to be a free agent close to the upcoming NBA trade deadline.

News sources reported that Milwaukee and Sanders were at the beginning stages of a negotiation for a buyout that would give both sides an escape from the relationship that has been described as tense.

While it is clear both parties are not happy with the current arrangement, buyout talks can create difficulties. Sanders currently is in the first year of his four-year deal for $44 million he signed in August of 2014.

Because contracts in the NBA are fully guaranteed, Milwaukee is for the most part at the mercy of the center when it comes to a settlement financially.

Sanders, who is just 26, has appeared in just 50 games since he signed the extension. Last season he missed 59 games because of surgeries on his eye and thumb. The former first rounder has not played since December 23 of 2014 because of a suspension and personal reasons.

Sanders was suspended by the NBA for 10 games for the violation of the league’s anti-drug program. It was his second suspension in the past two seasons, with both coming for use of marijuana.

When Sanders returns is a question still unanswered. Sanders still has not played for Milwaukee since the 10-game suspension was lifted. He was just listed as out for the final three Bucks games prior to the All-Star break for what was called personal reasons.

Sanders in January told reporters that he was attempting to find the root of many issues and correct them, and did not believe he could play basketball until they were corrected.

At the time of his suspension, Sanders was averaging just 7.3 points, 6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Those are very different from numbers he posted earlier that helped him earned his $44 million contract.

It is still not clear whether Milwaukee is willing to have Sanders return to the bench if they cannot reach an agreement for a buyout. That also works both ways.

However, it is quite clear that if the center were to return to play during the 2014-15 season, it will be somewhere besides with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee has won three straight games to move to 30-23 on the season. The Bucks are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings two games behind the fifth place Cleveland Cavaliers but 7 ½ games ahead of the seventh place Charlotte Hornets.

With the Bucks having won 8 of their past 10 games overall, the coaching staff and front office likely do not want Sanders to return to the bench in case any friction is created amongst him and the coaching staff or the players.