With the 2024 NBA trade deadline in the rearview mirror, attention now shifts to the buyout market.
Veterans who have been traded or are stuck in unfavorable situations will reach buyout agreements with their current teams before getting waived. Once they clear waivers, these players can sign with new teams for the rest of the season.
The buyout market gives contending teams one last chance to upgrade their rosters before the playoffs.
While buyout candidates are typically past their prime, they can still provide quality depth, leadership, and specialist skills. Teams have found impact buyout players before—Markieff Morris with the Lakers in 2020, and Goran Dragic with the Nets last season.
However, new rules in the Collective Bargaining Agreement have restricted the spending capability of teams above the luxury tax apron this year.
Those teams cannot sign players who have been bought out from contracts larger than $12.41 million. Still, buyout players with cheaper salaries remain fair game.
Here we analyze the top buyout candidates for 2024, team interests, and projected landing spots.
Kyle Lowry
After being traded to the Hornets, Kyle Lowry and the organization mutually agreed that the veteran point guard would not suit up as they pursue a buyout agreement. Lowry is expected to reach a contract buyout that will allow him to join a contending team.
At 37 years old, Lowry has declined from his peak All-Star form. He’s averaging just 8.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.
However, Lowry is a fierce competitor and champion, leading the Toronto Raptors to their first title in 2019. His basketball IQ, playmaking ability, clutch shooting, and leadership are still valuable.
Interested Teams: 76ers, Heat, Lakers
Lowry grew up in Philadelphia and could return to his hometown for a reunion.
The Sixers need more playmaking and halfcourt scoring. The Heat traded Lowry this season but lack point guard depth and could use his postseason mettle.
The Lakers also want more playmaking to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Prediction: Signs with 76ers
Spencer Dinwiddie
After being traded by the Nets and waived by the Raptors, Spencer Dinwiddie has reportedly agreed to a contract buyout. One of the top scoring guards available, Dinwiddie will have no shortage of suitors.
While Dinwiddie has struggled to match his production from past years, he averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 assists per game just two seasons ago.
At 6’5” (1.95m) with combo guard skills, he can provide microwave scoring and playmaking off the bench.
Interested Teams: Lakers, Mavericks, Bulls
The Lakers badly need backcourt reinforcement and playmaking to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Mavericks could use another shot-creator next to Luka Doncic. The Bulls want more guard depth and scoring.
Prediction: Signs with Lakers
Marcus Morris
Veteran forward Marcus Morris will secure a contract buyout from the San Antonio Spurs.
While Morris struggled to crack the Sixers rotation this season, he’s just one year removed from scoring 15.4 points per game as a starter for the Clippers.
Morris provides toughness and physicality defensively coupled with outside shooting (career 36.7% from three).
He would fit as a small ball power forward for a contender looking to boost wing depth.
Interested Teams: Timberwolves, Mavericks, Nuggets
The Timberwolves want to upgrade their power forward rotation as they push for a top-4 seed out West.
The Mavericks and Nuggets could use more forwards capable of spacing the floor, rebounding and defending multiple positions.
Prediction: Signs with Timberwolves
Danilo Gallinari
Despite tearing his ACL before this season, Gallinari still has value as a floor-spacing big man.
The Detroit Pistons waived the former All-Star after acquiring him from the San Antonio Spurs.
When healthy, Gallinari remains an elite shooter for his size (38.2% career from three) while providing some secondary playmaking ability (2.0 career assists per game).
He could bolster a contender’s frontcourt rotation if his knee is deemed healthy enough to contribute.
Interested Teams: Celtics, Suns, Heat
The defending champion Celtics reportedly have interest in the veteran shooter.
The Suns have been known to scour the buyout market and could use a backup four.
Recent acquisition Nikola Jovic is unproven, while Gallinari brings extensive experience. The Heat also need size and spacing.
Prediction: Signs with Celtics
Joe Harris
One of the greatest shooters of this era, Joe Harris unfortunately had his season cut short by injury. After being waived by the Pistons, he will likely find a new home when cleared medically.
Harris is a career 43.9% three-point shooter and hit 47.5% just two seasons ago. He moves well off the ball, has playoff experience, and won’t demand lots of touches. An ideal floor spacer for any contender.
Interested Teams: Bucks, Suns, Heat
The Bucks are thin on wings and could use Harris’ elite shooting.
Phoenix wants to reinforce their second unit with more shooting/scoring.
Miami lacks consistent three-point threats and spacing in their frontcourt rotation.
Prediction: Signs with Suns
Other Notable Buyout Candidates
While veterans like Kyle Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Marcus Morris will draw significant interest, there are other intriguing names likely to reach buyouts as well.
Thaddeus Young
A versatile, defense-oriented forward with championship experience from his time on the San Antonio Spurs. Young will provide leadership and quality minutes off the bench.
Danuel House Jr.
An athletic, 3-and-D wing who shot 35.6% from deep over the last two seasons. Struggled for minutes in Philadelphia but has shown ability to crack rotations previously.
Cory Joseph
Brings quality point guard depth with veteran savvy, defense, and adequate shooting. Won a title with the Spurs in 2014.
Robin Lopez
A longtime starting center now relegated to a backup role. Still providing leadership, physicality and intelligent defense in the paint.
While these veterans lack upside, they all bring playoff experience and specialist skills that could help bolster a contender’s second unit or match up against certain opponents. More savvy veterans may also reach buyouts as the playoffs draw nearer.
The buyout market may lack superstar power, but it remains an invaluable resource for contenders.
Keep an eye out on veterans like Kyle Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Marcus Morris, while teams posture to recruit the best available talent.
Sources:
www.nba.com/news/potential-targets-nba-buyout-market
www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-buyout-market-best-players-available-2024-trade-deadline/b212d01fe850dc6dd3ae7e17
www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2024-nba-buyout-market-potential-landing-spots-for-newly-available-players-following-trade-deadline/
