The NBA's regular season is nearing an end, meaning the playoffs are on the horizon, and the world will be watching closely.
Every year, it feels like each team has a player burst onto the scene down the stretch to help in their quest to make a deep run if they make the postseason. That said, let us analyze five players from the Eastern Conference who could be due for a big payday this off-season if they put together a strong run of games down the stretch of the regular season and/or in the upcoming NBA Playoffs.
Quentin Grimes - Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers won't be making the NBA Playoffs this season, so Quentin Grimes will not get the chance to participate in the postseason. Yet, he likely won't need to in order to earn himself a nice paycheck this offseason, considering he's averaged 22.1 points, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game since being traded to Philadelphia at the February deadline.
Making $2.8 million this season, the young guard will inevitably earn himself a hefty raise once he hits the open market in free agency. It's worth mentioning that he will be a restricted free agent, meaning the 76ers have the upper hand in retaining him over other teams, but it all comes down to just how much someone wants to pay for his services.
Ryan Rollins - Milwaukee Bucks
It's been quite the year for Ryan Rollins. After starting the season out of the rotation and on a two-way deal, the guard has not only earned a standard deal, but he's now Milwaukee's starting point guard as they deal with Damian Lillard's absence.
Averaging 16 points and 3.6 assists over his last five games, the guard is giving the team a needed jolt, and if he keeps it up, he could earn a huge bump in pay in the coming months when he enters free agency compared to his current minimum deal.
Gary Trent Jr. - Milwaukee Bucks
With so many injuries and absences, the Milwaukee Bucks need everyone to step up. Even if Rollins is firing on all cylinders, this team needs more, and they can get it from Gary Trent Jr. The guard came to Milwaukee on a minimum deal to prove himself in hopes of earning a raise, and if he puts together one of his better stretches, he could earn it. He's a lethal scorer, and with Lillard's availability uncertain, Trent could start forming his free-agent market early if he puts up big numbers.
Ty Jerome - Cleveland Cavaliers
What a year it's been for Ty Jerome. After being unable to stick anywhere during his first few years in the NBA, he's been a vital cog for the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. Jerome is averaging more than 12 points while shooting above 40 percent from deep on the season, cementing himself as one of the best reserves in the league this year. Someone will give him a lot more than the minimum he's earning this season once he hits the market, especially if he has a strong playoff run.
Malik Beasley - Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are back, and the addition of Malik Beasley has been a massive factor. The guard, who signed a one-year deal this past offseason, is averaging 16.3 points while shooting 42.1 percent from deep on an astounding 9.2 tries per game.
He's undeniably one of the best shooters in the NBA, and spacing is a premium in today's game. Teams looking to surround their core with shooting should have Beasley high on their priority list this offseason if he keeps playing like this.
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