Report: Kings buy out F Gooden

Mar 2, 2009 - 5:02 AM SUNNYVALE, California (Ticker) -- The Sacramento Kings agreed to a buyout with forward Drew Gooden, according to Yahoo! Sports on Sunday night.

Citing league executives, the web site said that Gooden and the team agreed just prior to Sunday's midnight deadline. Terms, however, were not reported.

Yahoo! said that the San Antonio Spurs are the favorites to acquire Gooden, who was sent to the Kings from the Chicago Bulls on February 19, the league's trade deadline.

Last-place Sacramento, which has been rumored to be having financial difficulties, will save some money when it releases the veteran Gooden, who was owed $7.1 million before the reported buyout agreement.

According to the report, the Cleveland Cavaliers also could be involved in a sweepstakes for Gooden. The Cavs also have been rumored to be interested in forward-center Joe Smith, who was released by the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier Sunday.