The NBA buyout market is the last time for teams to truly upgrade their roster for the stretch run of the regular season and potential postseason run. Any team that wasn’t able to pull off a trade before the deadline will be actively trying to sign players that hit free agency.
Last year’s buyout market had some established players. Small market teams in the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers bought out LaMarcus Aldrige, Blake Griffin, and Andre Drummond.
All three signed with contenders, as Aldrige and Griffin joined the Brooklyn Nets while Drummond signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This year, there shouldn’t be that level of former All-Stars made available, but there could be some solid veterans made available. There are veterans on losing teams, such as Gary Harris and Robin Lopez of the Orlando Magic that could be bought out. Goran Dragic is going to hit the open market after being traded to the Spurs as well.
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Tristan Thompson and Jeremy Lamb, who were part of the blockbuster deal between the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings, could also hit the open market. Plenty of contending teams would love to add the championship experience Thompson brings to the table and you can never have enough wings such as Lamb.
The next few weeks could be action-packed with player movement, as there are always numerous people on the move. What could we expect to see? Here are four bold predictions for the NBA buyout market deals.
