NBA recap: 2019 trade deadline, buyout market and games to watch

Buyout market presents more value

A reason trading for veterans in the final year of their contract has slowed down of late is the buyout market. Yes, teams could part with a trade filler and a second round pick to get a veteran that can have an impact in the postseason, but they could hold onto the pick and filler and simply sign him after he clears waivers if bought out from the team he’s currently on.

Unless the opportunity to grab a top-level starter is there for teams, working the buyout market is the best way to keep your team and assets intact while improving your team. The Philadelphia 76ers made their playoff run last year because two buyout players in Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova were extremely productive for them off the bench.

This season, there will be viable players available on the buyout market. Carmelo Anthony is a shell of himself, but he will be there for teams to take a chance on once he is bought out from the Chicago Bulls (weird, I know). Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan will likely be bought out from the New York Knicks and have playoff experience.

J.R. Smith hasn’t played since Nov. 19, but could be bought out if not traded by Feb. 7. Garrett Temple is a solid 3-and-D player for the Memphis Grizzlies that may be bought out as they make everyone outside of Jaren Jackson Jr. available.

Point is, for teams needing a piece or two to improve their rotation as they push toward the postseason, the buyout market is a great place to look. Even if the trade deadline disappoints in terms of star power or transactions as a whole, the buyout market will provide value for NBA teams and should be monitored closely.