The Milwaukee Bucks are clearing the way to sign forward Marvin Williams, as soon as Monday, by waiving Dragan Bender, league sources told ESPN.
Williams’ buyout is complete with the Charlotte Hornets and he will be waived as soon Saturday. He will clear waivers with the remainder of his $15 million expiring salary, and become an unrestricted free agent.
Williams will sign with the Bucks on the veterans’ prorated minimum worth $956,000, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Buyout players are eligible for the postseason on their next team as long as they’ve completed contract buyouts by March 1.
The Bucks, who at 44-7, have the best record in the NBA, did not make a trade before Thursday’s deadline.
Williams’ ability to defend multiple positions, shoot 3-pointers (he’s a career 36.2 percent shooter) and deliver high-character to a locker room makes Williams a coveted player on the buyout market.
Williams, 33, has played with Charlotte since 2014, and his career includes stops with Utah (2012-2014) and Atlanta (2005-2012). The 15-year veteran has averaged 25 minutes per game in 49 career playoff appearances, last reaching the postseason with Charlotte in 2016.
He was a starter for the Hornets until this season, when he has made just one start in his 41 games played. He has career averages of 10.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 1,055 games.
Bender, 22, has appeared in seven games for the Bucks this season and is averaging 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
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