The trade deadline has passed, and another transactional process has begun: buyout season, in which teams can improve their squads for this season and beyond with newly available free players. For obvious reasons, these free agents are primarily discount players who were released by their current teams but could still contribute.
It’s an opportunity for contenders, in particular, to get a deal on a player who could help them in the playoffs. One of the better examples is Peja Stojakovic, an ex-Kings sharpshooter who found a new home in Dallas and helped the Mavericks win their sole championship in 2011.
There’s a catch, however. The labor agreement isn’t as sign-friendly anymore.
Teams above the first tax apron, including the Heat, Nuggets, Warriors, Celtics, Suns, Clippers, and Bucks, are unable to sign players with past salaries of more than $12.4 million.
Several people have already taken advantage of their newfound freedom. Kyle Lowry is on his way to Philadelphia following a buyout from Charlotte. Additionally, Spencer Dinwiddie has joined the Lakers.
March 1 is the last day a player can be waived by one team while remaining eligible to play in the postseason for another. Here’s a list of candidates who have been bought out or released, or who may face either destiny in the next weeks:
- Davis Bertans, Charlotte Hornets.
Bertans, like Harris, became unplayable once he quit making three-pointers. That’s when he was tough to hide on the court since he couldn’t defend and lacked a mid-range game. Someone might take a chance if he is released.
- Seth Curry, Charlotte Hornets.
Curry, like Fournier, has a shooter’s presence but is long past his prime in that regard, and he was never a skilled ballhandler to begin with. Charlotte may keep him—he grew up in the city. If not, a team that can overlook his flaws might find Curry helpful off the bench.
- Evan Fournier, Detroit Pistons.
He was a starter for the Knicks just two years ago but quickly fell out of favor, owing to his lack of defensive ability. Since then, he has scarcely touched the court. If nothing else, Fournier has a lot of energy. If Fournier is released, he might become a valuable asset for a good defensive club in need of scoring (such as the Timberwolves).
- Danilo Gallinari, free agent.
Injuries and age have depleted the 35-year-old’s skills, leaving him only effective in short bursts and with little playing time. Despite being released by Detroit, he can space the floor and would be valuable to a contender looking for a long-range shooter.
- Joe Harris, free agent.
Prior to his injuries, he was one of the game’s most consistent long-range shooters. However, he has only played one full season since 2021, and one-dimensional athletes get stuck when that dimension goes sour. Detroit waived him, and the market for him could be low.
- Killian Hayes, Free Agent.
The No. 7 pick in 2020 is only 22, so he gets the benefit of the doubt. Can he still improve as a player? Perhaps. He started 31 games this season, and before releasing him, the Pistons offered the combo guard plenty of opportunities. Hayes’ bad shooting did him in, but someone will take a chance, and if he doesn’t pass his next two tests, he’ll start running out.
- Cory Joseph, free agent.
He’s still a speedy and skilled point guard with backup potential. However, there is now little need for that position. If a position becomes available after he is released by Golden State, he will be the first to hear about it.
- Furkan Korkmaz, free agent.
Just a few years ago, he was an important rotation player for the Sixers. However, he exemplifies how life in this league moves quickly. It’s all about finding the perfect spot and fit, and he still has worth after being released by Indiana.
- Marcus Morris, San Antonio Spurs.
This enforcer, who was a decent starter for the Clippers a few years back, certainly still has a little left in the tank. He’s a good catch-and-shoot specialist, but that’s part of the problem. Morris lacks an off-the-dribble or inside game and has a low rebounding average (4.5).
- Thaddeus Young, Free Agent.
Young, aging gracefully, remains an athletic forward with experience who understands his limitations. Brooklyn will reportedly release him, making him available. For clubs looking for front-line depth, there are few worse options than Young, who has a lifetime 50% shooting percentage.
