The agent for Jamaal Tinsley has approached the Indiana Pacers about possibly buying out the point guard's contract, a person familiar with the situation said today.

No figures were revealed.

The Pacers owe Tinsley slightly more than $21 million on a contract that expires in 2010-11.

Team president Larry Bird has said the Pacers were not interested in buying out Tinsley's contract. Instead, they want to trade him.


"Our position stays the same as it's always been. We're still trying to trade him," Bird said through a team spokesman.


This past offseason, the Pacers told Tinsley he would not be allowed to practice or play with the team.


He has remained away from the team while Bird has tried to find a trade partner.