Not even a week after losing Andrew Bogut mere minutes into his Cleveland Cavalier debut, the reigning NBA champions have struck up serious contract talks with Larry Sanders.
According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, Cleveland could have a deal done with the former Milwaukee Buck as soon as Monday. This is assuming the Cavs are happy with what they see in the workouts.
Sanders has not played a game since the 2015 season, when he retired due to mental health concerns and substance abuse issues. He retired to focus on his personal health and has since come out saying he feels much better about himself.
Over the previous summer rumors started popping up about how he might attempt to make a comeback during the season. His real efforts to make good on those rumors came more recently when he hired agent Joel Bell and started holding private workouts for teams.
Before Cleveland, he worked out for both the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
People who attended those sessions or have seen him play since have stated he is still capable of high-level athleticism and would be a nice piece once he was in game shape.
The Cavs front-office might strike gold if the 28-year old center is truly ready for a comeback. Cleveland is hoping Sanders will provide a defensive presence in the paint, while finishing aeound the basket.
The former 15th overall pick out of Virginia Commonwealth University averaged 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in his stint with the bucks after they drafted him in 2010. His peak season saw him average 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 71 games played.
If the contract is to happen, the Cavaliers will have to waive one of their current players to free up a roster spot for Sanders. The likely option is the currently injured Bogut.
