Larry Sanders, Bucks Agree to Buyout: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly reached a buyout agreement with Larry Sanders, according to the team. The decision ends the center's run with the organization after just shy of five years.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports first reported the buyout had been reached. Charles Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the Bucks may not elect to fill Sanders' empty roster spot right away.

Wojnarowski also added that the NBA isn't in Sanders' immediate future because he needs time to work on personal issues. He also added that Sanders will walk away with almost half of his original $44 million contract.

Sanders was drafted by the Bucks with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. While there have been flashes of talent, highlighted by the 2012-13 season when he nearly averaged a double-double, other issues have held him back.

The most notable ones being off-court problems that have resulted in two separate suspensions totaling 15 games on the sidelines. He's also dealt with some injuries that have cost him to miss even more time in recent years. He hadn't played since late December, mostly for personal reasons.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported before the buyout became official that Sanders was expected to sit out for the rest of the campaign:

The Bucks have performed well even without an active Sanders. They are firmly entrenched in the Eastern Conference playoff race thanks to an above-.500 record, something only six teams on the weaker side of the league can claim.

So parting ways works out for both sides. Milwaukee is able to get out from under the majority of Sanders' big contract, which was supposed to run through 2018. Kelly Dwyer of Ball Don't Lie provided some of the details:

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This means the Bucks will be on the hook for just less than or more than $2 million a year until 2022, but that's still a massive decrease from what they already owed Sanders. Prior to this agreement, Sanders was owed $11 million a year until the summer of 2018.

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For Sanders, leaving some money on the table comes with the chance to explore new opportunities. Exactly when that process will begin considering Wojnarowski's report is unclear, but there's little doubt he'll be a coveted commodity at some point.

Most of his value comes in terms of defense and rebounding. But he's got the upside to become a serviceable secondary option on the offensive end of the floor, as well. And the demand for quality minutes up front is definitely high around the league.

The biggest key for Sanders is staying healthy and off the suspended list. Those two factors have played a far greater role in his mundane contributions over the past couple years than talent. They also represent the risk teams will need to assess when considering him.

Again, it's unclear exactly when he may land with another team. Once that chance does come, however, Sanders must be prepared to seize it.