Anthony Bennett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, passed through waivers without a claim on Friday and will become an unrestricted free agent, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Toronto Raptors are a strong frontrunner to sign Bennett, a native of the city, to a deal, league sources said.
Bennett's reps pushed for a buyout with Minnesota and tried to dissuade teams from claiming him on waivers, league sources said. His agents had a destination in mind for Bennett, league sources said.
Minnesota negotiated a contract buyout with Bennett this week, after both the organization and player believed that he had little future within the Wolves' deep frontcourt.
Philadelphia and Portland had the salary-cap space to claim Bennett and his $5.8 million salary, but passed on him. Utah could've waived a non-guaranteed deal to make the additional $600,000 in salary-cap space needed, and Cleveland – which drafted him No. 1 in 2013 – could've used a trade exception to absorb Bennett.
All passed, allowing Bennett to become a free agent.
Minnesota acquired Bennett as part of the Kevin Love deal that brought the Wolves 2014 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins.
Bennett, 22, has struggled with weight and health as an NBA player, but did show progress playing for the Canadian National team this summer in international competitions. A 6-foot-8 forward, he was an unlikely No. 1 overall pick who had almost no chance to live up to that burden. In two seasons, Bennett has averaged 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
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