As various media reports have suggested, it looks as though Larry Sanders has played his final game in a Bucks uniform. The organization looks to be finalizing a buyout with the 26-year old center that will see them pay far less than the $33 million owed over the next three seasons. Because Sanders has officially been reinstated by the league following his failed drug test, his refusal to re-join the team gave the Bucks management leverage to propose a buyout in the range of $13-16 million, saving the team almost $20 million. After using the stretch provision, detailed in my previous post, the Bucks will pay Sanders a mere $2 million+ over the next seven years instead of $11 million over the next three years (pictured below). With no happy ending in sight, this has to be seen as a win for Milwaukee as they were able to save roughly half of Sanders' initial contract and open cap space for years to come, especially with a big offseason on the horizon.
I noted earlier that I would worry about Sanders signing with another contender this season but the fact that he would walk away from almost $20 million leads me to believe he is in no state to play in the near future. I do feel bad for him and hope that he can figure out any issues he has been going through but playing basketball seems to be the last thing on his mind, as it should be.
With another roster spot open, look for the Bucks to sign Jorge Gutierrez for the remainder of the year and don't count them out of trade deadline rumors as they have been active in years past.
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