Derrick Favors – Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder immediately tried to move Derrick Favors after acquiring him in the offseason from the Utah Jazz and they also tried to find a trade partner for him at the trade deadline this season, but the Thunder were unable to move the 30-year-old veteran. 

Now in his 12th NBA season, Derrick Favors is known to be a “bruiser-like” big man that can command the paint and be a force on the glass on both ends of the floor. 

For his career, Derrick Favors has averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and has shot 53.4% from the floor, making him a key talent that multiple playoff teams should be interested in adding to their rotation should he become a free agent. 

It is possible that a buyout could be negotiated between the Thunder and Favors this season, but it is unlikely right now because of how his contract is structured going into the offseason. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Top Landing Spots For Buyout Options After Satoransky Signs

Derrick Favors possesses a $10.2 million player option for next season that he has yet to make a decision on and many do expect the veteran to opt into the final year of his contract. It is also possible that the Thunder and Favors could just simply work out a small buyout in the offseason ahead of him opting into his contract, resulting in Favors becoming an unrestricted free agent. 

The Thunder have no need for Favors in their frontcourt and will be looking for ways to move him. Given that his contract is moderately affordable, he could also be used as trade bait ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, giving the Thunder possibilities on adding more draft capital through the years. 

We should not expect Derrick Favors to be bought out of his contract this season, but he is still a prime buyout candidate leading up to the March 1 deadline.