MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -The Memphis Grizzlies and point guard Damon Stoudamire have reached a tentative agreement to put him on waivers Monday, and if the veteran is not claimed within 48 hours he will be given his release.
A team spokesman confirmed the planned timetable for Stoudamire’s release Saturday night.
Stoudamire was on the inactive list for the Grizzlies’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers, and was not available for comment.
Stoudamire was signed by the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2005. He has started all 29 games he played this season and is averaging 7.3 points and 3.9 assists, but has not played since scoring four points against San Antonio on Dec. 30.
Asked Saturday night about Stoudamire’s status with the team, coach Marc Iavaroni said, “I have nothing new to report.”
Stoudamire and the Grizzlies have been negotiating a buyout of his contract. Stoudamire is owed $4.6 million for next season – a figure that would be cut in half if he plays in fewer than 55 games or averages less than 20 minutes per game this season.
He was the Grizzlies’ starting point guard earlier in the season but has been relegated to the bench in favor of younger players Mike Conley Jr., the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft, and Kyle Lowry, a second-year player from Villanova.
Even though Conley also was inactive Saturday because of a right chest contusion, Stoudamire was not dressed out, an indication that his departure is imminent.
Before Friday night’s game in Washington, Stoudamire said he was awaiting a buyout.
“I want it done as soon as possible,” he said. “But you’ve got to be patient. You’ve got to wait.”
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