Lonzo Ball
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Lonzo Ball is already getting buzz on the NBA buyout market.
Every year in the wake of the NBA‘s trade deadline, a raft of players are set free by their new teams, or in some cases by their old teams. There’s almost always a mad race to identify which players could sign with which teams, and the, by the time the stretch run and playoffs come around, those moves are quickly forgotten. It’s the NBA buyout market.
Players who are bought out, after all, are usually bought out because no one wanted to trade for them. Except in some instances, they’re guys who just are not going to help their new teams all that much. There is a rumor about Lonzo Ball joining the Warriors — the same Lonzo Ball who shot 30.1% from the field and 27.2% from the 3-point line.
He might sign with the Dubs. But is he really going to play?
Already there have been some buyout moves, with the Mike Conley rejoining the Timberwolves and with Jevon Carter signing with the Magic. The Celtics are expected to seek a guard. The Knicks want a big man. The Lakers, too.
But there are rules and deadlines with this process, so let’s explain those first.
NBA Buyout System Has Rules
First, let’s clarify a deadline: The deadline for players to be off their current teams is March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs. That is not the deadline for players to be signed by new teams, a common source of confusion. A player just needs to be off his current roster by March 1, and can sign with a new team at any time in the following weeks until the playoffs start.
Second, you cannot re-acquire a player you traded away who is them released. That goes back to a the 2008 Allen Iverson trade between the Pistons and the Nuggets, where Antonio McDyess was dealt to Denver, waived, and re-signed with Detroit in a pre-arranged deal. Yes, the Timberwolves did bring back Conley, but there was a loophole–he was traded to Chicago, then re-traded to Charlotte, who released him.
It’s only because he re-traded that the Wolves were able to sign him back.
Third, first- and second-apron luxury tax teams have limits–they can’t sign someone who was on a contract worth more than the midlevel exception ($14 million) in the buyout market. That’s a factor in some years, but not likely this season. Only three teams (the Warriors, Cavaliers and Knicks) qualify and there’s probably only one potential player (Jusuf Nurkic) who could be over the $14 million threshold.
Eastern Conference Coach’s Top NBA Buyout Picks
We went through the likely names of players who are to be on the NBA buyout market and asked an NBA assistant coach to point out who could be useful. Notably, he did not include ex-Nets scorer Cam Thomas .. or Ball, for that matter. Here goes:
Jusuf Nurkic. In 38 games, Nurkic is averaging 11.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists. The Jazz do not need him but … will they waive him? If so, there could be a clamor. Coach says: “There isn’t a team in the league who couldn’t use that guy off their bench.”
Chris Boucher. Boucher could not carve out a role in Boston, but he is a springy end-of-bench big man who can block shots and knock down the occasional 3-pointer. Coach says: “He’s an NBA player, he should be on someone’s roster. He is good playoff insurance.”
Haywood Highsmith. He’s already been bought out but the Nets, and has missed the season because of knee injuries. But he’s nearing a return. Coach says: “If he’s healthy he’s a rotation player on a good team, kind of a no-frills 3-and-D guy. I think he’s a gamble worth taking.”
Kyle Anderson. Memphis seems willing to buy him out. He is only playing 20.0 minutes per game, but is averaging 7.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Coach says: “Great guy off the bench especially in halfcourt situations like you’re going to see in the playoffs. Great passer, makes plays, finds seams. I think every team in the East playoff hunt could use him.”
Khris Middleton. It’s not certain the Mavs will waive him, and he is a long way from the All-Star he was in Milwaukee. He’s averaging 10.3 points, 43.3% shooting and 33.3% 3-point shooting. Coach says: “High IQ guy. You can put him on the floor and have him cover 10, 15 minutes and know he is not going to make mistakes. A team that signs him would rather they don’t have to play him but you won’t be worried having him on the floor.”
Kevin Love/DeAndre Jordan. We’ll put these guys together because both are well-liked veterans who are in-case-of-emergency-break-glass options. Coach says: “If you’re a team going into the playoffs, you love to have guys like this on the roster–they lighten the tension, they help your locker room. And they can play a little if you need them.”