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Ranking the NBA’s top buyout season signings

By Collin Loring

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers handles the ball under pressure from Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 102-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers handles the ball under pressure from Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 102-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

5) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist joins the Dallas Mavericks

With their eyes on a deep postseason run, the Dallas Mavericks had to add something to their roster, find a way to improve on either end. Because in the talent department, almost every other team in the Western Conference playoff bracket holds a lead over them.

And while Kidd-Gilchrist has flashed some defensive versatility, there’s likely a reason he was one of the least talked names among the market. Offensively he’s all but plateaued, now 26 years old.

His last 20-point outing was in the back half of the 2017-2018 campaign, and he scored double digits just once this season, albeit in only 12 appearances for the Hornets.

Credit it to the lack of consistency in playing time, or just his situation entirely, but he never found a rhythm in Charlotte. Kidd-Gilchrist put together averages of just 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds over eight seasons with the Hornets.

Related Story. Jayson Tatum lurks on the Most Improved Player ladder. light

For the Mavericks, it was going to take signing one of the other names available for their trade deadline/buyout activity to be considered a splash. Kidd-Gilchrist isn’t that guy. He’ll no doubt offer some scoring in the second unit, and if he wants to–maybe he’ll turn it up defensively.

But thus far, Kidd-Gilchrist has scored just two points in his six games with Dallas.

The truth is that the Mavericks’ best selling pitch was playing time, and rarely do guys in the buyout market value that over the chance to win a championship–like in Houston, Milwaukee, or with either of the Los Angeles teams.