The Detroit Pistons are releasing shooting guard Rip Hamilton and buying out the remaining two years and $25 million left on his contract, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free-Press. The Pistons are not using the amnesty clause to release Hamilton, Ellis reports. Rather, they are negotiating a buyout.
NBA Rumors: Detroit Pistons Buy Out Rip Hamilton, According To Report
Hamilton fell out of favor with the Pistons last year after being one of the franchise's core stars. He helped organize a boycott of then-coach John Kuester after he received a series of "DNP-CDs" over the course of the season. Still, due to his pedigree, several contenders will likely be interested in his services.
It remains unclear why the Pistons negotiated a buyout with Hamilton instead of releasing him with the amnesty clause. Perhaps the logic is that Hamilton can now choose his team instead of being cast into the amnesty waiver process.
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