In what could become a historic transaction, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly bought out 2013 first-overall pick Anthony Bennett.

Never before has a top pick been given up on so quickly. Should Bennett clear waivers, he would become the first No. 1 pick who didn't have the fourth-year option on his rookie contract picked up. Even if he's claimed, there's a chance the acquiring team would decline the $7.3-million option on Bennett's contract for 2016-17.

To be clear, Bennett has been wildly disappointing. While it's a misrepresentation to say the Cleveland Cavaliers went too far off-board taking him first overall in 2013 - he was a consensus top-10 pick, and that draft was wide open at the top - the pick was a minor surprise, and myriad issues have prevented Bennett from reaching whatever potential originally existed.

He needed offseason shoulder surgery before his pro career even began, struggled through sleep apnea and asthma that hurt his conditioning, and ultimately required a tonsillectomy to remedy the issues. He also suffered from vision issues and eventually underwent laser eye surgery. Those problems are behind him, and Bennett looked to be in terrific shape with the Canadian national team this summer.

Still just 22, Bennett took moderate statistical strides as a sophomore last season, portending the strong offseason. An enterprising team will look for the chance to buy-low on a player who, on paper - he's a terrific athlete and shows glimpses of 3-point range as a power forward - should fit well into a modern NBA offense.

Bennett 2013-14 2014-15 MPG 12.8 15.7 Pts/36 11.8 12.0 TS% 42.5% 45.8% PER 6.9 11.4 Reb% 13.1% 13.8% Ast% 4.0% 8.7%

But what would be the best fit for Bennett? Expectations appear to have weighed on him through two seasons, and the best landing spot for him will minimize the spotlight and pressure while giving him the requisite playing time to continue developing.

Here are three of the more interesting landing spots for Bennett:

Toronto Raptors

Born and raised in Toronto, the Raptors are a natural name to throw out for Bennett. The Raptors added fellow Canadian Cory Joseph this offseason, have a branding campaign directed toward building the sport across the country, and only have two natural power forwards under guaranteed contracts.

But while the Raptors may represent a good off-court fit and a potentially beneficial marketing situation, they don't check off two of the boxes that could be crucial for Bennett's resurgence: He wouldn't be freed any scrutiny as a hometown player, and the Raptors probably can't offer him a great deal of playing time unless he's willing to be the non-Brazilian face of Raptors 905, their new D-League franchise.

Philadelphia 76ers

A clearinghouse for retreads and fringe prospects, the 76ers are immediately thrown out as a possibility whenever a befallen player hits the market. In Bennett's case, the Sixers could use their cap space to claim him off waivers, absorbing his $5.8-million salary for 2015-16 and giving themselves until Nov. 2 to decide on next season's team option.

For as much as Philadelphia has drawn curious glances for acquiring young centers in three consecutive offseasons, their power forward position doesn't have a clear pecking order. They'll experiment with Nerlens Noel at the four alongside Jahlil Okafor for parts of every game, Furkan Aldemir has his fans as a long-term bench piece, and Richaun Holmes got a substantial guarantee as a second-round pick.

But those names, plus veteran flotsam from earlier trades, don't make up a frontcourt that would preclude Philly from taking a flier on Bennett. They would be able to give him appreciable playing time and in return, Bennett could potentially provide some much-needed spacing. The Sixers also have a clean enough cap situation that they could pick up Bennett's option without batting an eye, giving them two years to turn him into an asset.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers played the part of Sixers Light in their post-LaMarcus Aldridge offseason, taking on a few young players who stalled or stagnated with their original teams. Bennett fits that building plan, one that's clearly aimed at putting a competitive team around 25-year-old star Damian Lillard sooner than a traditional rebuild would allow.

The Blazers, too, could absorb Bennett into cap space and seriously consider his 2016-17 option. Perhaps most importantly for Bennett's sake, the Blazers employ Team Canada head coach Jay Triano as an assistant, ostensibly providing a modicum of comfort and familiarity for Bennett ahead of a third consecutive season with a new team.

The issue with Bennett landing in Portland is one of playing time. Portland already took a flier on Noah Vonleh, signed Ed Davis, acquired Mason Plumlee, and retained Meyers Leonard. Factor in solid wing depth that could see Portland play smaller at times, and it's tough to see where Bennett would get run.

Where does he land?

Portland, like Philadelphia, is in the talent-acquisition business right now. Despite two years of evidence that may suggest the contrary, Bennett decidedly has talent, and he's worth taking a flier on. ESPN's Marc Stein reported Tuesday afternoon that there was "growing suspicion around the league" that Bennett would wind up with the Blazers.

The guess here is he doesn't clear waivers, with Portland or Philadelphia - or, in a longer-shot, the Utah Jazz - making a claim. Portland seems the better cultural fit, while Philadelphia presents a clearer path to playing time. For Bennett, the former is likely more important, though he won't control his own destiny unless he clears waivers.