Budinger will be bought out by the Pacers, Candace Buckner of the Indy Star reports.

The buyout appears to be in the final stages, but in somewhat of an odd move, Budinger is expected to be in uniform and available for Friday's game against Charlotte, with the buyout expected to become official after the contest. The move to cut ties with Budinger is prompted by the Pacers interest in Ty Lawson, who was waived by Houston earlier in the week. Lawson is said to be in advanced negotiations with Indiana, and a deal should be finalized within the next day or two. Budinger, who has been in and out of the rotation this season, figures to draw considerable interest around the league, though he won't be eligible to play in the postseason since the buyout will have occurred after Mar. 1.