Boris Diaw Bought Out By Charlotte Bobcats; Could Join San Antonio Spurs?

Boris Diaw's production has progressively dwindled since the French forward was acquired by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2008. The team finally decided to do something about that on Wednesday as they've decided to buy out the remainder of his contract.

Diaw will effectively be a free agent as of Wednesday, according to the Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell. There's no word on what Charlotte paid to buy out the remainder of his contract.

Bobcats vice president of basketball operations Rod Higgins confirmed that early Wednesday morning to the Observer. The buyout, which should be completed sometime today, would make Diaw a free agent in time to sign with a contender. Meanwhile the Bobcats open one of 15 roster spots and save some of what's left of Diaw's $9 million salary.

Diaw has looked out of shape as of late, which has been limiting his production, but he's shown to be one of the smarter basketball players in the world during his professional career. That's likely why fellow Frenchman Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs has been vocal in his support for Diaw to move to Texas.

By agreeing to a buyout now, Diaw can be waived in time to potentially sign with a contender and be eligible for a playoff roster. San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, Diaw's close friend and French national-team teammate, recently said on a French radio program that Diaw would be welcome with the Spurs.

"He's in shape,'' Parker reportedly said. "I'm the first to make fun of him when he gains too much weight, but right now it's not the case. We're very interested to get him.''

It's unclear if that's the exact route Diaw will take, but it does seem likely.

For more on Diaw and the Bobcats, visit Rufus on Fire. For more on the Spurs and any possible interest in Diaw, check out Pounding the Rock.