The 2024 NBA trade deadline has passed. Now, contending teams still looking for roster upgrades will head to the buyout market.
The buyout market is typically hit or miss. Most players available are veterans at the back end of their careers who are looking to chase a ring. Players signed on the buyout market don’t always make an impact or crack a rotation, but it provides contenders with the opportunity to fill out the remaining holes in their roster.
There is one catch, though. This year, under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams that are above the “first tax apron” are not eligible to sign players whose previous salaries were above the Non-Taxpayer MLE ($12.41 million), as Spotrac’s Keith Smith pointed out. Those teams include the Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors, Clippers, Heat, Bucks and Suns.
However, players available on the buyout market are usually on expiring veteran contracts that don’t exceed that $12.41 million threshold. There are a few exceptions on the list below, including Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Lowry, Marcus Morris Sr. and Joe Harris. That group is free to sign with any team aside from the seven franchises listed above.
For more potential buyout candidates available, The Sporting News has you covered with a list below.
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Top buyout candidates after 2024 NBA trade deadline
Spencer Dinwiddie
Dinwiddie is the most surprising name to reach the market, being waived by the Raptors after getting traded by the Nets.
The 30-year-old guard struggled with Brooklyn this season, averaging 12.6 points and 6.0 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the field. He has proved in the past that he can be a reliable source of offense as a playmaker and scorer, though.
Just last season, Dinwiddie averaged 17.3 points and 6.5 assists over 53 games with the Mavericks and 26 games with the Nets.
The Lakers are reportedly “among the frontrunners” to sign the veteran once he clears waivers, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
MORE: Why the Lakers didn’t make a trade at the 2024 deadline
Kyle Lowry
Lowry was traded to the Hornets in the deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Heat in January. The veteran guard is looking to pursue another shot at an NBA title, so Charlotte general manager Mitch Kupchak pledged that he’d keep him off the court until the franchise could find a trade or buy him out.
After Lowry was not dealt at the deadline, expect to see him hit the buyout market.
The 37-year-old’s best days are behind him, averaging just 8.2 points and 4.0 assists per game this season. But he is a six-time All-Star who could still fill a role in limited minutes and provide championship DNA to a contender’s locker room.
A proud North Philadelphia native, the 76ers are seen to be the favorites to land Lowry’s services.
Marcus Morris Sr.
Morris was traded twice on deadline day. He went from the 76ers to the Pacers in the deal for Buddy Hield, then from the Pacers to the Spurs in the deal for Doug McDermott.
After landing in San Antonio, Morris will be bought out by the rebuilding franchise.
The 34-year-old only averaged 6.7 points per game during his time with the 76ers, but he was a double-digit per-game scorer in each of the nine seasons prior.
Morris could still be a floor-spacing forward who brings an attitude to the defensive end for a contending team.
Killian Hayes
Hayes was another shocking name to see on the market. Only 22 years old, Hayes was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Pistons elected to waive him on trade deadline day.
It has been a bumpy start to Hayes’ career, averaging just 8.1 points and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 38.2 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from 3. He’ll likely be picked up by a rebuilding team willing to give him a change of scenery, as opposed to a contender looking to fill a roster spot.
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Thaddeus Young
Young will be waived by the Nets after being traded by the Raptors at the deadline.
The versatile veteran forward hasn’t been an everyday rotation player for a couple of years now, but he’s still a solid defender and connective offensive player who could provide decent minutes in spurts.
On top of that, Young has been renowned as one of the best teammates and veteran leaders in the league.
Danuel House
House is being waived by the Pistons after being traded by the 76ers at the deadline.
The 30-year-old struggled to crack Philadelphia’s rotation this season but he still has 3-and-D potential as a 6-6 wing who shoots 35.6 percent from 3 for his career.
“Multiple contenders” are expected to pursue his services, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Cory Joseph
Joseph was traded from the Warriors to the Pacers for a second-round pick and cash, but he will be bought out by Indiana.
Joseph didn’t have much of an opportunity in Golden State, averaging 2.4 points in 11.4 minutes per game. As a former NBA champion with the Spurs in 2014, the 32-year-old will be a target for any contender looking for a veteran guard who can playmake and defend.
Joe Harris
Harris was waived by the Pistons on trade deadline day.
A career 43.6 percent 3-point shooter, Harris will be a primary target for any contender looking to add shooting. The 32-year-old can no longer be counted on as a rotation player, but he’s a specialist who can space the floor.
Robin Lopez
Lopez is expected to be waived by the Kings after being traded by the Bucks.
The 35-year-old 7-footer should draw some interest to provide a positive locker room presence and frontcourt depth to any team.
Other players to monitor
There has been no indication that veterans like Danilo Gallinari (Pistons), Otto Porter Jr. (Jazz) and Delon Wright (Wizards) will be bought out by their teams, but they will be candidates to monitor if they hit the market.
Both Gallinari and Porter offer size and shooting, while Wright is a solid defender and passer.
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