Veteran center Steven Hunter has left the team and will not return for the rest of the regular season.

Hunter, who is dealing with a knee injury, is in Chicago rehabilitating with personal trainers. The Griz granted Hunter permission.

“We talked to him about what was best for him in terms of getting in an environment where he could focus on getting ready for next season,” Wallace said.

Hunter is in the final season of a deal that pays roughly $3.7 million. He has not been waived, meaning Hunter will remain on the roster until July.

The Griz also retain Hunter’s Bird Rights. The Griz will not bring back Hunter next season but they can sign the 7-footer for any dollar amount in case he’s needed to facilitate an offseason trade.

Second-year center Marc Gasol labored so much to shoot and grab rebounds that Griz coach Lionel Hollins made an early substitution in the second half. Thabeet checked into the game with 8:33 left in the third as Gasol walked off massaging his left shoulder.

Gasol didn’t return. He started his second game after missing five due to a partially torn neck muscle.