The Milwaukee Bucks have requested waivers on forward/center Gustavo Ayon, general manager John Hammond announced Thursday.
The decision to waive Ayon comes just before the deadline that would have guaranteed the Mexican-born big man $1.5 million for next season.
Acquired from Orlando as part of the J.J. Redick trade last February, Ayon averaged 4.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in just 13.6 minutes per game over 12 games with the Bucks.
The third Mexican-born player in league history, Ayon came to the NBA in 2011, signing a two-year deal with the New Orleans Hornets that included a team option for this season. After starting 24 of his 54 games with New Orleans, the Hornets traded Ayon to Orlando last July in a sign-and-trade for forward Ryan Anderson.
Ayon, 28, went to summer league with the Bucks hoping to impress the new coaching staff enough to keep him on the roster for next season. Missing the final two games with a groin injury, Ayon averaged 6.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG in three summer league games.
Though the injury didn't help, Ayon didn't impress enough in the three games he played in to change Milwaukee's mind. The Bucks have a logjam at the power forward and center position, as Larry Sanders, Ersan Ilyasova, John Henson and Ekpe Udoh join free-agent signing Zaza Pachulia in the front court.
In 109 NBA games, Ayon has averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
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