From The Detroit News:

The Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday night placed veteran center Theo Ratliff on waivers and have agreed to buy him out of what remained on his $11.6 million contract. If he clears waivers in the next 48 hours - which is almost a given with his salary - he will sign with the Pistons for the prorated amount of the veteran’s minimum ($1.3 million).

Ratliff, 34, was drafted by the Pistons in 1995. He has only played 12 games the last two years, but he is healthy now. He played in the last 10 games with the Timberwolves, averaging 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds.

Ratliff will provide a solid, veteran presence as the fifth big man. Again, he’s not likely to take up Jason Maxiell or Amir Johnson’s minutes, but if either Rasheed Wallace or Antonio McDyess were to get injured, Ratliff would be a very capable short-term fill-in.

In other news, Sam Cassell got his buyout and he will land in Boston. Former Piston Flip Murray is headed to the Clippers.