The 9 players to watch in the NBA buyout market following Chris Paul's retirement

After the transfer deadline has passed, several players have already found new destinations, such as Jeremy Sochan or, previously, Cam Thomas. However, there are still numerous important names without a team after being cut or becoming free agents. Among the players still unsigned are Lonzo Ball, Chris Boucher, Eric Gordon, Haywood Highsmith, Georges Niang, Mason Plumlee, and Dario Saric.

Various sources point to other players who could follow the same path in the coming days. Possible candidates include Russell Westbrook, D'Angelo Russell, Marvin Bagley III, DeAndre Jordan, Kevon Looney, Kevin Love, Khris Middleton, Jusuf Nurkic, and Kelly Olynyk.

Westbrook is having a good season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. However, the franchise has no intention of competing for the remainder of the season and plans to reduce the prominence of several high-contract players to improve their position in the draft lottery. In that context, a buyout agreement for the point guard, who signed for the minimum and only for one year, would fit.

Another veteran guard, D’Angelo Russell, has not even joined the Washington Wizards yet, the team he was traded to at the deadline. His departure through a buyout seems like a clear possibility. On the other hand, Khris Middleton has stated that he is focused on playing basketball with his new team in Dallas, downplaying any speculation about a potential buyout.

Big Men Taking Center Stage in the Market

Several centers and power forwards are on the list for potential movements. Among them stand out DeAndre Jordan, Kevon Looney, Jusuf Nurkic, and Kelly Olynyk. In the case of Looney, with a salary of 16 million dollars and an average of just 13 minutes per night, his continuation with the New Orleans Pelicans seems challenging.

If Nurkic were to become available while averaging a double-double, he would attract significant interest in the market. However, after it was announced that Jaren Jackson Jr. will miss the remainder of the season due to surgery, the Utah Jazz may be forced to keep him on the roster, regardless of their sporting strategy. With several key names up in the air, the evolution of the buyout market will be a major focus in the days ahead.