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Brooklyn Nets waive and presumably buy out Andrea Bargnani

By Net Income
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the first move of Sean Marks' time as GM, the Nets have waived --and presumably bought out-- Andrea Bargnani. The team announced the news late Saturday afternoon. The move will open up a roster spot. No word, though, on Joe Johnson.

Bargnani tweeted out the news...

ESPN reported earlier Saturday that the Nets and Bargnani's agent were engaged in buyout talks. Earlier in the week, Adrian Wojnarowski and Sean Deveney of the Sporting News reported that the 7-footer was likely to be waived.  Fred Kerber wrote Friday that the Nets did try to trade Bargnani for a second rounder at the trade deadline, but that effort was met with "disdain."

Bargnani was Billy King's most high-profile free agent signing last summer.  He is being paid nearly $1.4 million this season and had a player option at $1.6 million next season.  There's no word yet on the terms of the buyout.  The contract came with a player option. Bargnani is averaging 6.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in 46 games. He is shooting 18.8 percent from three.

Bargnani was listed as ill for the Knicks game Friday and didn't practice Saturday in Brooklyn.  Brian Lewis reported that the discussions were handled by Marks and Leon Rose, Bargnani's agent.

The former Raptor and Knick could go to another NBA team and even play in the playoffs. Any player waived before March 1 can join a playoff roster.

Meanwhile, Joe Johnson didn't sound like he's going anywhere.

"Definitely. It’s almost like it’s a new situation," Johnson said Saturday. "We have this great practice facility. We’ve got everything pretty much at our disposal. Guys come back with a great attitude since the break. You just want to try to finish strong and try to develop some type of chemistry with players that we have here. Just keep improving as a team, individually and see what happens.’’

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