Why don’t the Timberwolves want to keep Anthony Bennett?

Updated Sep 22, 2015 at 11:58a ET

The answer to this question isn't as obvious as, "Because he's not good."

The Wolves are reportedly beginning buyout negotiations with Anthony Bennett, was the Cavaliers drafted first overall just two years ago, and you don't just give up on someone like that for one, singular reason. More importantly, you don't pay money to make someone go away unless you have motivation coming from different directions. That's the case here, as explained by Eric Koreen at the Vancouver Sun:

It is easy to understand why Minnesota might give up on Bennett. They are loaded with big men that they are hoping to develop: recent first-overall pick Karl Towns, as well as Nemenja Bjelica, Gorgui Dieng and Adreian Payne. They also have veterans Kevin Garnett and Nikola Pekovic. In a league that is, by consensus, shrinking, that is plenty of frontcourt depth. There is not room for Bennett, which is something his representatives could see, causing them to urge the Timberwolves for his freedom.

It is surprising, however, that no team wanted to proactively go after Bennett. Perhaps that is because his salary — US$5.8-million for this year, a US$7.3-million team option for next — far outpaces his likely production, based on his first two years in the league. In Bennett, though, there is the shell of a player who fits in superbly with the changing game. Bennett is hyper-athletic, a fairly intuitive passer and a decent, and improving, long-range shooter. He is also just 22.

The $7.3 million option for next year is a bit misleading, considering the Wolves could decline that fourth-year option before the start of training camp, hold onto Bennett and then let him hit free agency at the end of the year. But if they feel like playing him 10-to-15 minutes a night would be a hindrance to the team, getting rid of him may be the only answer. It's not like teams are breaking down the Wolves' door to pay him that $5.8 million salary.

Let's use this situation as a reminder that what owners or any other team officials say publicly shouldn't be taken at face value. Just last week, Wolves owner Glen Taylor went on local talk radio and essentially endorsed Bennett as a Timberwolf for the upcoming season. That almost certainly seems like it won't be the case now.

(h/t Vancouver Sun)

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