We are seeing firsthand this season how beneficial it can be to have a dominant big man. The NBA has transitioned to more of a space and pace league, with positionless basketball taking over. However, if you have a dominant big man, it can prove to be just as much of an advantage.
The leaders in the clubhouse right now for the MVP award are both centers; Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, who is the reigning MVP, and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Both are having magnificent seasons for their respective teams and slowing them down will be key for opponents come playoff time.
That is what makes the buyout market for the center position so important. Teams will be looking to round out depth charts and make sure they have players that can fill different roles for potential long playoff runs.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Top Landing Spots For Key Guards Considered Buyout Candidates
Some intriguing big men could hit the market in the coming weeks. Some players are on rebuilding teams that could cut them loose after not finding a trade ahead of the deadline. Derrick Favors of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Robin Lopez of the Orlando Magic would fit that bill.
Some veterans got traded ahead of the deadline, but may still get bought out and hope to land in different situations. Paul Millsap now of the 76ers and Tristan Thompson of the Indiana Pacers would land in that category.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Top Landing Spots For Key Guards Considered Buyout Candidates
Then, there is a veteran who no longer has a place on a team that will look to shake their roster up. The player that falls into that category is DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Where could all of these players land if they ultimately hit the open market? Let’s take a look at each of their situations and see where the top landing spot could be for each key NBA buyout candidate at the center position.
