Anthony Bennett has cleared waivers and will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Toronto Raptors are a strong frontrunner to sign Bennett, who grew up in the area.

Bennett's reps pushed for a buyout with Minnesota and tried to dissuade teams from claiming him on waivers.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers could have claimed Bennett using cap space, while the Cleveland Cavaliers could have used a trade exception to absorb Bennett.

The Minnesota Timberwolves remain committed to keeping Ricky Rubio.

There have been rumors this offseason of a possible trade involving Rubio.

"We're not talking to anybody about trading Ricky," said Milt Newton.

Rubio "is an integral part of our team" and "one of the best facilitators in the NBA," added Newton.

Anthony Bennett's buyout with the Minnesota Timberwolves was for $3.65 million, while his scheduled salary was for $5.8 million.

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

Bennett was unlikely to receive much playing time in the Wolves' crowded frontcourt.

"When you look at our team, our deepest position is probably power forward," Wolves GM Milt Newton said in a statement issued by the team. "This move balances out our roster while also allowing Anthony another opportunity in the NBA. He has a lot of talent and his play this summer internationally made this a difficult decision for us."

Anthony Bennett has reached agreement with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a buyout.

Bennett will become a free agent if he clears waivers.

The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to pursue Bennett with the presence of Jay Triano and David Vanerpool a factor.

Bennett was the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and no other team in the top-10 had plans of selecting him.

Anthony Bennett and the Minnesota Timberwolves are making progress on a buyout agreement.

The Wolves have failed to find a trade involving Bennett this offseason.

Bennett was the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bennett's agents have been eager for a contract buyout to allow him the chance for greater playing time.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed Nick Wiggins and Kleon Penn to non-guaranteed camp deals.

Nick Wiggins is the older brother of Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins played at Wichita State and was in the D-League last season after going undrafted.

Penn went undrafted out of McNeese State in 2009.

Sam Mitchell will be elevated to interim head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves as Flip Saunders battles cancer.

Sanders was diagnosed with treatable Hodgkin's Lymphoma in August.

Mitchell was last a head coach in 2008 with the Toronto Raptors and joined the Wolves as an assistant coach last season.