Top 5 NBA players that could be targeted in the buyout market

The 2023 NBA trade deadline was exciting and saw many big players being traded. However, with the buyout market still open, franchises can still add players to the rosters and strengthen their side. This time around there is a lot of quality available in the buyout market. With just over 30 games left in the season, teams could use these players as key pieces to their rosters. Many may just rope in players to fill spots on their teams, but regardless of that, it will be interesting to see which player ends up where, post the March 1 deadline in the buyout market. In this article, we take a look at five players that could be targeted by teams in the buyout market.

#5 Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka played for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. He was mostly out of their rotation as they had a stacked roster, but the one-time NBA champion was a great locker-room presence. Ibaka had a great relationship with the players and coaches. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of the deal that brought Jae Crowder to the Bucks.

However, the veteran is looking to move on from Indiana and seek a trade to a contending franchise. According to reports, he has interest in joining the Miami Heat, which would be a great deal on both ends. The Eastern Conference side will not only get a veteran, but also a player who can play hard in the minutes that he is assigned. Ibaka can prove to be a great backup option to Bam Adebayo. Currently, the franchise has the likes of Orlando Robinson and Omer Yurtseven, but bringing in a player like Ibaka would only add more security to the position.

#4 Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley was a regular part of the LA Lakers’ lineup during his short stint there. However, the team traded him to the Orlando Magic in return for Mo Bamba. The veteran was able to secure a buyout and will now look for other options. His ability to shoot the three-pointer and defend will help him attract attention from some of the contenders. No frontrunner has emerged, but Beverley will most definitely add a lot of value to any side that he plays for.

His toughness was many times on display when he was on the Lakers. He will be a great piece to a contending side as his presence in the locker room could prove to be a difference for them.

#3 Kevin Love

Kevin Love is in his 9th year as part of the Clevland Cavaliers organisation. He helped them win a championship in 2016 and has been a key part of their franchise since LeBron James’ exit in 2018. However, it looks like the long road is set to end as multiple reports suggested that the veteran was looking for a contract buyout with the Cavs.

Last season, Love was a leading contender for the sixth man of the year award. This campaign, Love has looked good at times, but with LeVert, Osmon Ricky Rubio all available, it will be difficult for him to get a lot of minutes. Love’s ability to shoot the three-pointer at a high consistency will certainly attract attention from a lot of big teams.

#2 John Wall

John Wall was touted to be the third-best player on the LA Clippers franchise when they signed him during the offseason. However, it didn’t work out well and the veteran was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of the deal that brought Eric Gordon to LA. Having expressed his disappointment just recently on his time at Houston, Wall is looking for a contract buyout.

His ability to get to the basket and provide teammates with open looks was seen at times during his stint with the Clippers. Many franchises would look to add him as a solid bench player. He certainly is not the same since his return from injury, but there is a lot of basketball left in him. A side like the New Orleans Pelicans or the Memphis Grizzlies would be a perfect fit for him as he could add to their depth and be a veteran voice in the locker room with a lot of youngsters.

#1 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is easily the biggest name in the NBA buyout market this season. He was traded to the LA Lakers as part of the three-team deal that saw him move to the Utah Jazz. However, the former MVP is looking to move to a contending team and there are several options available for him. The LA Clippers is one side that has expressed their interest in the point guard.

Paul George openly admitted that he would love for Brodie to join the Clippers. Other franchises that are involved in securing a buyout for Westbrook are the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. All of these sides are in search of a point guard and with Russ available they will be trying their best to acquire his services.

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