Even after the Pistons traded away Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye, Corey Maggette has been unable to crack the team's rotation, having not appeared in a game for Detroit since December 15th. Despite his non-existent role with the Pistons though, Maggette tells Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News that he's not interested in pursuing a buyout.
"No, not at all," Maggette said when asked. "I don't even know how it works."
Players hoping to change teams before season's end and be eligible for the playoffs have until tomorrow night to negotiate buyouts with their current teams. Any players waived after March 1st won't be postseason-eligible if they sign with another club. A veteran on a lottery-bound team in the final year of his contract is generally considered a candidate for a buyout, but according to Maggette, he's still making the most of his role in Detroit.
"I like management here and I'm still able to help the young guys, that's been my MO with this season," Maggette said. "I haven't played, it's part of what happens sometimes. You know me, I've been positive about that. I haven't thought about getting a buyout."
Maggette, who was acquired by the Pistons last summer primarily for his $10.92MM expiring contract, will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in July. His stock isn't exactly at an all-time high — he has averaged career-lows almost across the board in limited action this season, including in PPG (5.3), PER (8.0), and FG% (.355).