The NBA trade deadline is behind us, so it’s BUYOUT SZN!
That means we could see some bad teams cut some notable vets and good squads with playoff hopes pick them up to bolster their roster.
We’ve already seen some players be cut, and we’ll list them here anyway even though they’ve already had their contracts bought out and they’ve been waived. In one case — Marvin Williams — it appears he’s reportedly signing with the already-deep Milwaukee Bucks. With others, we’ll speculate as to who might be free agents soon.
Here’s a look at the names we could see changing zip codes in the coming weeks:
1. Dion Waiters (bought out)
The mercurial shooting guard — who was suspended multiple times this year — has been bought out of his deal by the Memphis Grizzlies, who acquired him in the Andre Iguodala trade. The Lakers could target him, per reports.
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (bought out)
ESPN reports he’s out from the Charlotte Hornets and could end up signing with the Dallas Mavericks.
3. Evan Turner
Evan Turner did not attend Wolves press conference today. Both sides discussing a buyout. Wolves are going young. The vet Turner would like to play for a contender, so the options are being explored.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 7, 2020
Somebody should want him to shore up their bench … right?
4. Tyler Johnson (bought out)
The Suns guard is out from Phoenix, per reports. Now that he’s no longer a candidate for one of the worst contracts in the league, he might be useful as a bench scorer for a contender despite his struggles from distance this season.
5. Reggie Jackson
This would be a super intriguing name if he and the Pistons decide to part ways. Maybe the Lakers would go after him after missing out on Darren Collison.
Detroit's Reggie Jackson is still assessing whether to pursue a buyout or complete his Pistons contract, league sources say, but the Clippers have emerged as a likely suitor if Jackson goes that route
The Clips, of course, also have interest in prime Laker target Darren Collison
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 8, 2020
6. Moe Harkless
The new Knick who came over in the Marcus Morris deal could help a contender as a defensive swingman. Thinking out loud here: how about a reunion with the Blazers?
7. Bismack Biyombo
Are we really going to do this again in the postseason?
8. Jeff Green (waived)
The seemingly ageless Green was pretty good for the Wizards last year and was just okay for the Jazz before he was waived in December.
9. Isaiah Thomas (bought out)
The Clippers didn’t want him after acquiring him from the Wizards, but someone might want the guard in the middle of his best shooting stretch of his career.
[jwplayer ucyevoBp-q2aasYxh]