Wolves Hire More Assistants, Buy Out Bennett

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves have promoted Calvin Booth to director of player personnel and added assistant coach Bryan Gates to the coaching staff.

The Timberwolves announced the moves Wednesday. Booth joined the Timberwolves two years ago as director of player programs.

Gates spent the previous five seasons in New Orleans. He comes aboard to bolster the staff after head coach Flip Saunders took a leave of absence to continue his treatment for lymphoma. Sam Mitchell was elevated to interim head coach.

The Wolves also added Vince Legarza as player development assistant and video coordinator and promoted Kaayla Chones to player programs director.

AP Source: Timberwolves buyout Anthony Bennett for $3.65M

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Bennett is on the move again.

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves have reached agreement on terms on a $3.65 million buyout with the former No. 1 overall pick. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the buyout has not been announced.

If Bennett clears waivers, he will become a free agent. Bennett was the top pick of the 2013 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was traded to Minnesota in the Kevin Love deal last summer, but struggled in his lone season there with injuries.

If Bennett is claimed on waivers, he would make his full $5.8 million salary and would be owed nothing by the Wolves.

If he clears waivers, he is likely to sign a minimum free agent contract worth $947,000, thereby forfeiting about $1 million from his original salary.