The Pistons are about to land the veteran big man they’ve coveted — and his name isn’t Dale Davis.
The Minnesota Timberwolves placed veteran center Theo Ratliff on waivers Thursday night and have agreed to buy out the remainder of his $11.6 million contract.
From Sid Hartman:
The word from the Wolves was that they wanted to keep Theo Ratliff around to work with Al Jefferson, but owner Glen Taylor said the team worked out a buyout with Ratliff on Thursday and he will be in another uniform soon. Taylor also said that he read in the paper about Antoine Walker wanting a buyout but said he hasn’t heard from the veteran forward.
The Wolves settled with Ratliff because it will save Taylor a chunk of
the remaining $3.7 million left this season on his annual $11.66 salary
and presumably allow Ratliff, once waived, to join another team willing
to take a chance on a shot blocker for the stretch run toward the
playoffs. It puts some money back in the owner’s pocket while also
serving as a gesture for a veteran who, given his age, his iffy health
and his playing resume, would have played his final games with the
Wolves in the ensuing weeks anyway.
the remaining $3.7 million left this season on his annual $11.66 salary
and presumably allow Ratliff, once waived, to join another team willing
to take a chance on a shot blocker for the stretch run toward the
playoffs. It puts some money back in the owner’s pocket while also
serving as a gesture for a veteran who, given his age, his iffy health
and his playing resume, would have played his final games with the
Wolves in the ensuing weeks anyway.
For the Wolves, the move would save the team some cash by agreeing to an amount less than he was owed the rest of the season.
But perhaps more importantly, Ratliff’s departure frees up playing time for other players on a team that’s rebuilding and needs to evaluate talent. Rookie Chris Richard might be among those who would benefit most with 26 games remaining this season, including tonight’s game at Cleveland.