NBA Rumors: 5 potential buyout candidates after the trade deadline

Potential buyout candidate No. 3: George Hill.

Many executives expect George Hill to be moved before the trade deadline, but that may be easier said than done. A buyout is more likely because Hill is in the second year of a three-year $28.7 million contract and has a history of injuries.

The 13-year veteran only appeared in 14 games this season before suffering a thumb injury that eventually required surgery. Still, the 34-year-old point guard is a quality veteran point guard who can efficiently run an offense and is a reliable defender on the perimeter.

Hill has built a career being a tremendous defender and an efficient and versatile scorer. In 26.3 minutes per game, he’s averaging 11.8 points per game (his highest average since the 2016-17 season), 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with flawless .508/.386/.840 shooting splits.

A career 38.4 percent 3-point shooter, Hill is a legit perimeter threat whenever he touches the ball. He’s lost a bit of athleticism but still savvy enough to find creative ways to attack the basket and set his teammates up for an easy score.

Unfortunately for Hill, he was traded during the offseason to an OKC Thunder team in the middle of a rebuild and has had little use for him with five other guards on the roster they are trying to develop.

NBA teams that George Hill can help.

Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat.