There was a time, not that long ago, when the Bucks were of the belief that they should retain big man Gustavo Ayon for next season.
Back in June, they reportedly decided to pick up his $1.5 million option.
A month later, however, before the contract was set to become fully guaranteed, the team has changed its mind.
From Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:The Milwaukee Bucks announced Thursday they have waived 6-foot-10 forward Gustavo Ayon, who was the only active Mexican-born player in the NBA.
The Bucks released Ayon prior to a Friday deadline that would have guaranteed his $1.5 million salary for next season.
Ayon came to Milwaukee in the midseason deal that brought J.J. Redick to the Bucks for what turned out to be less than half a season.
The Bucks have some depth with their frontcourt players -- Larry Sanders, Zaza Pachulia (who the team signed to a three-year deal this offseason), and first round draft pick Giannis Antetokounmpo are all in place on the roster.
Ayon figured to be a decent big man option worth developing at an affordable price, but the Milwaukee front office obviously felt otherwise. He appeared in 12 games for the Bucks last season, and averaged 4.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game.