SAN ANTONIO (AP) The San Antonio Spurs have bought out Anthony Carter's contract and released the veteran point guard because of tendinitis in his left knee.

Carter was on the injured list for the second time this season when the team bought out his two-year, $1.5 million deal, making him a free agent.

He appeared in only five of the Spurs' 19 games, and averaged 4.4 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 17 minutes. Carter probably will undergo surgery, followed by a rehabilitation program that will allow him to get back on the court before the end of the season.

The 28-year-old previously spent four seasons with Miami.

He became a free agent in July when his agent mistakenly failed to exercise a player option that would have earned him $4.1 million with the Heat this season.

Carter was San Antonio's starting point guard on opening night because Tony Parker was still recovering from a severe ankle sprain.

He had 10 points and six assists in 34 minutes against Phoenix that night, but he was limited to only 10 minutes in the team's second game before going on the injured list.

Carter was activated Nov. 18 and played in three games before going to the injured list again.

``We all worked together to come up with this agreement,'' said Spurs general manager R.C. Buford. ``A.C. worked hard and did everything that we asked of him during his time in San Antonio. But due to the condition of his knee, it was better for everyone involved to make this move at this time.''