While the NBA trade market is now officially closed, teams can still make additions, mostly by looking at the buyout market. Several players could receive buyouts from their current teams and become intriguing options for other teams. But which are the most intriguing players from this market? Let's find out
On February 5, the trade deadline officially closed the NBA trade market.
Activity was robust; high-profile stars like Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr. changed teams, while numerous franchises made minor moves to stay under the luxury tax threshold.
Now trades can no longer be made, but that doesn't mean the NBA market is completely closed.
Teams that still want to strengthen themselves can now target players who could receive buyouts from their current franchises and become available as free agents.
Although it is a niche market, you can still find productive role players who can provide meaningful bench minutes in the right system.
From veterans seeking one last championship to specialists offering reliable depth, we decided to put together a list of the most interesting potential buyout candidates in the NBA.
Russell Westbrook
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From the outset, Westbrook's addition to the Sacramento Kings seemed like a rather questionable move.
The roster was already unbalanced, and Westbrook’s arrival was unlikely to bring significant improvement.
This has proven to be the case, as the Kings' season has been quite disastrous so far. Statistically, Westbrook is having a decent year, but he remains a poor fit for the current roster.
For this reason, it is possible the former MVP will request a buyout to join a team with greater ambitions than the Kings.
Despite his age, Westbrook remains a valuable short-term asset for teams aiming for the playoffs.
Chris Paul
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At 40 years, Chris Paul is in his final season in the NBA.
Obviously, his return to the Clippers did not go as hoped, but in a more limited role coming off the bench, Paul could still help a team with playoff ambitions.
His basketball intelligence and leadership remain elite, traits he showcased during his tenure in San Antonio.
The player is currently with the Toronto Raptors, but it is difficult to imagine him remaining in Canada until the end of the season; a buyout seems the most likely outcome.
Jusuf Nurkic
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Holding an expiring contract worth nearly $20 million, Jusuf Nurkic is a top buyout candidate.
The 31-year-old Bosnian center remains an elite rebounder, averaging a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards this season.
Utah has no incentive to win, as it prioritizes draft positioning, making a Nurkic buyout highly probable.
For teams looking for a reliable center who can guarantee a presence on the boards, Nurkic is still an excellent option, especially at a lower salary than his current one.
Khris Middleton
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Khris Middleton arrived in Dallas as part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to Washington.
The former Bucks player is certainly less impactful than he was during his prime, but he remains a savvy bench piece for a deep postseason run.
As the Mavericks are prioritizing future assets over current wins, they used Middleton’s expiring deal primarily as a salary-matching tool and have little reason to retain him.
If Middleton receives a buyout, league rules prevent him from signing with the Knicks, Warriors, or Cavs – the remaining second appron teams – because his salary exceeds $14 million.
For other contenders, however, he represents a high-upside addition.
Lonzo Ball
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Lonzo Ball was also on the move at the deadline, traded by the Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz.
Utah, however, immediately waived the player, leaving him free to sign elsewhere.
Ball struggled to find rhythm with Cleveland, and health concerns persist. However, he remains an intriguing low-risk option for teams needing playmaking depth at the veteran minimum.
Denver and Golden State seem interested in signing the player, but want assurances about his health first.
Jeremy Sochan
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It now seems quite clear that Jeremy Sochan's time with the San Antonio Spurs has come to an end.
The Polish forward has fallen out of the rotation as his role within the team continues to shrink.
At the end of the season, he can become a restricted free agent, but it doesn't make much sense for the San Antonio Spurs to keep him at this point.
As an undersized big man, Sochan can still be an interesting prospect at only 22 years old.
If the Spurs were to grant him a buyout, some playoff teams should give him some thought.
Chris Boucher
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After starting the season with the Celtics, Chris Boucher was traded to Utah before being waived.
For teams looking for a floor-spacing big who provides rim protection, Boucher is a viable low-cost target.
He's not a player who can guarantee too many quality minutes, but for about ten minutes per game, he could still be a useful addition.
Kevin Love
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In Utah, Kevin Love is playing a veteran role in a fairly young team and doing so with great professionalism.
But at 37, Love may still want to win another NBA title, so a buyout to join one of the contenders cannot be ruled out.
Despite his age, Love remains an excellent 3-point shooter and a prolific rebounder. At a veteran minimum, he could be a valuable asset for any playoff rotation.
When You're Too Good For Your Own Team…
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
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