Bismack Biyombo is finally a free man.
And it only took Biyombo and the Charlotte Bobcats $1.5 million to buyout his contract from Spain’s Fuenlabrada.
The story — initially reported by a number of media outlets in Spain — brings to end an on-going saga that watched the 19-year old Biyombo go from the Congo to the seventh overall pick by Charlotte (via a trade with the Sacramento Kings) in the 2011 NBA Draft. Last week it was believed that Fuenlabrada, who plays in the ACB Spanish League, would not release the 6’9 power forward/center from the remaining two years on his contract after a Spanish court dismissed Biyombo’s civil suit against the team.
After FIBA failed to grant his release, the Bobcats became heavily involved in the buyout process.
A raw talent who impressed scouts and general managers during his impressive outing (recorded a triple double for the World Team, with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks) at the Nike Hoop Summit last spring, Biyombo has been in Charlotte working out but has not been able to join the team in training camp.
Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer is also reporting Biyombo may be available to play tonight when the Bobcats face the Atlanta Hawks at Time Warner Cable Arena in preseason action.
Via Twitter, Biyombo shared his excitement that his time in the NBA has arrived:
“Thanks God it’s over, and I’m gonna play finally! Thanks to every one who help me in this process he wasn’t easy for no one, thanks GOD!”
