Buyouts Market: 3 Players Who Can Change the Course of the NBA

The buyout market is starting to move in the NBA, and it has already seen several players finding new destinations in recent weeks. Players like Cam Thomas, Jeremy Sochan, and Mike Conley have landed with new teams after reaching agreements for their departure.

With the March 1 deadline — this Sunday — as the cutoff for players to be eligible for the playoffs, more buyout agreements could still happen, allowing veterans to join championship contenders.

Brett Siegel, from Clutch Points, has identified several potential candidates for significant buyouts. Here are the top three names.

DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings

DeRozan's desire is well known: to finish his career in his hometown of Los Angeles. Whether with the Los Angeles Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers, the goal has been clear for some time.

Meanwhile, his situation in Sacramento raises questions. In the recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, he played only 25 minutes and attempted just three shots. His scoring profile and shooting ability don't seem to fully align with the team's current dynamics.

However, according to Siegel, the franchise has no intention of facilitating his departure. If DeRozan wants a buyout, he will need to request it directly and convince the organization.

Khris Middleton, Dallas Mavericks

Far from his best form in Milwaukee, where he was an All-Star, averaging 20 points per game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo's sidekick, Middleton is now a useful rotation player but not a decisive one.

At 34 years old, he was traded this month to Dallas, but if he wishes to join a contender, he would need to negotiate his exit. Siegel warns of the risk this would pose for a player who will soon be a free agent.

Accepting a minimum contract could significantly alter his market value perception. Once a player signs for the minimum, that label tends to stick unless there is a significant resurgence in performance.

Russell Westbrook, Sacramento Kings

The third name brings us back to Sacramento. At 37 years old, Westbrook continues to put up solid numbers as a starter and is already operating at the minimum salary threshold, so he wouldn't incur additional financial risk with a buyout.

The question is whether there is indeed a contender willing to bring him on for a playoff run. Last summer, he struggled to find a team and only signed with the Kings shortly before the season started.

According to Siegel, if interest from a title contender arises, Westbrook would seriously consider it. However, as of today, there seem to be no movements in that direction.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado de Buyouts: 3 jugadores que pueden cambiar el rumbo de la NBA