I don't see how a buyout can be achieved.
Beyond this season, Rip is owed $12.5 mil next year, and has an ETO for the following year for the same amount.
He may hate what's going on in Detroit, but would he really give up $10-$20 million to play somewhere else, given the uncertainties surrounding the next CBA?
Yeah, this is the big thing - I've never heard of a multi-year buyout at this scale.
But if the only options are to take a buyout or sit on the bench and age...Rip loves the game and seems like the sort to have saved up a bit.
If he's bought out, he's still going to walk away from the contract pocketing 15-20 million... he's not exactly going to be living on the streets if he then went an signed a contract to play out the year on a prorated veteran minimum.
Pocket 20 million and have a chance to go play for a contender for the rest of the year? Yep, no brainer.
Rip Hamilton is owed roughly 38 million over the next 3 seasons.
Teams have inquired about him recently, and will inquire about him again.
If the Pistons allow a buyout, they'll be paying him atleast 30 million of that 38, so best option is that they save 8 million out of a possible 38.
If the Pistons allow Rip to walk though, I believe they forfeit any rights to him as a tradeable asset.
That means even when the contract is expiring, they won't be able to trade him. They're just stuck with his 12.5million cap figure for the next 3 years.
On top of that, teams have inquired as recently as 3 weeks ago about Rip's availability. They'll inquire again. Rip Hamilton is and will remain a desired trade asset. If the Pistons let him walk, not only will they still pay more of his salary, they will see absolutely zero return on that.
Beyond ice cream cones and puppy-dog dreams, what is in it for Detroit if they buy him out?