Cavaliers suspend Andrew Bynum for detrimental conduct

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Center Andrew Bynum was placed on indefinite suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, the Cleveland Cavaliers announced Saturday.

It was not immediately clear what prompted the suspension, and Bynum didn't travel with the team to Boston for Saturday's game.

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Reports indicated the Cavaliers are willing to trade Bynum, who appeared in 24 of their 28 games leading into Saturday. Bynum, 26, signed a cap-friendly two-year, $24 million deal during the offseason that included $6 million guaranteed.

The Cavs can clear salary cap space if Bynum is traded or released by Jan. 7.

"It's a terrible situation internally with our team," All-Star guard Kyrie Irving said before the Cavs faced the Celtics. "It's something we have to get over."

Cavs coach Mike Brown has been a huge supporter of Bynum. The two were together in Los Angeles and their relationship was a reason the Cavs risked signing Bynum.

Brown was asked if Bynum's days with the Cavs were over.

"He's on an indefinite suspension and I'm not trying to be funny, but you know what indefinite means," Brown said. "We've got 14 guys in that locker room who are very focused and determined and ready to take on any challenge that's in front of them. They're great guys, they're focused guys and they know how to play the game the right way and that's what I'm focused on, just helping those guys win."

There are questions as to whether a team would be interested in Bynum, given his history of knee injuries and questionable attitude. Seven-foot centers are rare commodities, but Bynum missed all last season with various injuries. He's not the same player who had double-digit points and rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bynum's play hasn't been what the Cavs had hoped for, as he averages 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Bynum's suspension isn't a major shock. He has not performed at a consistent level and has appeared disinterested while on the floor. Earlier this season he talked openly about retirement and said his medical issues have been a challenge to overcome.

Bynum showed flashes of being a dominant post player but recently he has lacked energy or enthusiasm. On Monday he missed all 11 field-goal attempts and didn't score in 22 minutes against the Detroit Pistons.

Bynum spent seven seasons with the Lakers, who selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft.