The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with the whirlwind of transactions, even if the highly anticipated trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo did not occur. Notable moves included Ivica Zubac’s trade to the Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks sending Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, though the return for Davis was deemed underwhelming.
As teams evaluate their rosters post-deadline, attention now shifts to the buyout market. Certain players who were recently traded may soon become available, providing opportunities for teams looking to bolster their lineups for the playoff push.
Khris Middleton’s future remains uncertain, particularly concerning the Mavericks’ intentions with his contract. While keeping the 34-year-old forward could work against a focus on developing young talent like Cooper Flagg, a buyout seems plausible. Potential suitors for Middleton could benefit from his experienced presence despite a challenging season where he averaged 10.3 points per game on a struggling Wizards team. If he becomes available, Middleton could sign a cheaper deal with a contender, allowing him to contribute significantly to a new squad.
Another intriguing name is Mike Conley, who has already experienced a tumultuous trading journey this season. After being dealt to the Bulls and then the Hornets, he was waived and is free to sign with any team. Notably, there appears to be mutual interest between Conley and the Minnesota Timberwolves for a reunion, emphasizing his valued locker room presence at age 38. His ability to lead and invoke strong chemistry with players like Anthony Edwards could make a re-signing a foregone conclusion, especially as the Timberwolves look to stabilize their roster.
Chris Paul’s path has taken a somber turn after being traded from the Clippers to the Raptors. Set to be waived, the 40-year-old’s storied career may not conclude with the championship he desires. Despite his age and recent performance struggles, teams might still see value in his experience to mentor younger players or support a developing team.
Cam Thomas surprised many when he was waived by the Nets, especially after choosing to accept a qualifying offer last summer. While his numbers show promise with an average of nearly 16 points per game, his shooting efficiency remains a concern. However, Thomas believes his next opportunity could showcase his offensive talents effectively, making him a valuable asset for teams needing scoring off the bench.
Lastly, Lonzo Ball’s recent trade to the Jazz may not yield the revival many hoped for after a series of injuries kept him sidelined. Although not the player he once was, Ball’s skill set as a lockdown defender and playmaker could attract interest from teams willing to take a lower-risk chance on him.
With such a dynamic buyout market, teams are poised to make moves that could shift the balance of the league as they prepare for the stretch run towards the playoffs. The next few weeks will highlight which players land with new teams and how their contributions could help contenders chase a championship, offering fans an exciting conclusion to the season.