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Larry Sanders says he wants to return to NBA when he is 'stable'

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Former Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders, who stepped away from the NBA last season to address personal matters, says he plans to return to the league once his off-court pursuits have stabilized.

"Once my art, music, and passions off the court feel stable, I will look into coming back," Sanders told Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania. "I still love basketball. I want stability around me, and part of my mindset to leave was not to put all my eggs in one basket."

Sanders accepted a buyout from the Bucks almost one year ago in the midst of a suspension for violation of the NBA's anti-drug policy. He later described the turmoil in his life for The Players' Tribune, saying that he was dealing with anxiety and depression.

"I feel highly valuable on any team," the 27-year-old told Yahoo. "There aren't a lot of people who can bring my game to a team. I still play basketball all the time, staying in shape. I will need to make sure the situation is right for me."

An elite rim protector, Sanders averaged just under a double-double and 2.8 blocks per game in 2012-13. Teams have been known to be keeping tabs on Sanders, anticipating a potential return.

Sanders is slated to receive about $1.8 million per year until 2022 as the Bucks employed the stretch provision with his settlement.

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