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Anthony Bennett has been a disappointment thus far in his NBA career. It goes beyond the stigma of him being the first-overall pick in 2013, although that certainly is the biggest factor when it comes to public perception.

Bennett has been an unproductive NBA player, full stop. In his rookie season, he was out of shape thanks to off-season shoulder surgery, emerging as a lost player who endured an embarrassing scoreless streak. His second season, in Minnesota, was a bit better. Still, he missed 25 games, including a stretch due to an ankle injury, and fell out of favour with coach Flip Saunders. It was understandable, as Bennett remained totally unreliable on both ends of the floor.

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Still, Monday’s news that Bennett might be on his way out of Minnesota in return for nothing still qualifies as a surprise. Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Timberwolves and Bennett are nearing an agreement on a contract buyout that would place Bennett on waivers, with only Philadelphia and Portland having enough room under the cap to claim him at his current salary. If he goes unclaimed, he would become a free agent, allowing any team with a roster spot to sign him. He would also become the first No. 1 selection in the draft not to have his fourth-year option picked up.