The NBA buyout market is one of the most fascinating aspects of the league, especially as teams look to make moves during the season to adjust their rosters for a playoff push. In the 2025 season, several players find themselves in situations that could lead to a buyout, making them some of the most anticipated names in the NBA.
This article will explore what the NBA buyout market is, how it works, the current buyout candidates, and which teams might benefit the most from these players. With an in-depth analysis, we will also look at the latest trends surrounding NBA buyouts and what fans are most curious about on platforms like Google and YouTube.
What is the NBA Buyout Market?
Before diving into the candidates, it’s important to understand what a buyout is and how the process works. A buyout in the NBA refers to when a team and a player agree to terminate a player’s contract before the end of its term. This typically happens when a team decides that it no longer has a use for a player or if the player wants to move to a team with a better chance of competing for a championship. In these cases, the player is often released from their contract but receives a portion of the remaining money owed to them.
A key feature of buyouts is that once the player is bought out, they are free to sign with another team. Most of the time, the player will sign with a contender for a chance at a championship or to play a larger role. For the team, it helps clear up cap space, and for the player, it can provide a fresh start. This situation occurs more frequently in the latter part of the season, particularly after the NBA trade deadline when teams reassess their rosters and cap situations.
The Buyout Process
The buyout process typically involves several steps:
Agreement Between Player and Team: A player and their team must mutually agree to terminate the contract. This is often done when the player has been either traded to a team they have no interest in playing for or has fallen out of the team’s rotation.
Negotiating the Buyout Amount: The team and the player negotiate how much of the player’s remaining salary the team will pay. In most cases, the team agrees to pay a reduced amount to save money on the overall contract.
Signing with Another Team: Once the player is officially bought out, they can negotiate a contract with a new team. Often, they will sign for a reduced salary to compete for a chance at a championship.
Buyouts can have a significant impact on a team’s roster, especially for contending teams looking to add depth or improve their rotation. This is why the buyout market is closely watched every year, particularly as teams position themselves for playoff contention.
Key NBA Buyout Candidates for 2025
In the 2025 NBA season, the following players are viewed as potential buyout candidates. These players either have large contracts that their teams are eager to move or have fallen out of favor with their current teams. Let’s break down some of the top NBA buyout candidates for 2025:
Russell Westbrook – Los Angeles Clippers
One of the most talked-about players in the NBA in recent years, Russell Westbrook is still attempting to find his place in the league after being traded from the Lakers to the Clippers. Although he has had solid individual performances, the Clippers have struggled to make him a seamless fit alongside their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Westbrook is on a sizable contract, and with the Clippers looking to find more balance and flexibility with their roster, it’s possible they might move on from him via a buyout. If the Clippers decide to go in a different direction, Westbrook could find himself available, and his name will undoubtedly be of interest to contenders looking for depth at the point guard position.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: Westbrook’s inability to fit perfectly into the Clippers’ system and the team’s desire for flexibility.
Potential Landing Spots: Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, or the Chicago Bulls (if the latter look to bolster their backcourt).
John Wall – Houston Rockets
John Wall has been a long-standing veteran in the NBA, and although he has faced significant injuries in recent years, he remains a skilled player when healthy. Wall’s time with the Houston Rockets has been largely uneventful, as the team has been in a rebuilding phase and has focused on developing younger talent.
While Wall is still capable of providing leadership and stability to a team, he has been a bit of an odd fit on a rebuilding Rockets squad, and a buyout seems inevitable. Wall’s size and ability to run the offense can still make him a valuable asset for a contending team looking to add depth at the point guard position.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: Wall is no longer a part of Houston’s long-term plans, and the Rockets might prefer to free up cap space.
Potential Landing Spots: Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, or Philadelphia 76ers.
Gordon Hayward – Charlotte Hornets
Gordon Hayward’s career has been full of ups and downs, from his high-flying days with the Utah Jazz to his unfortunate injury with the Boston Celtics. Since joining the Charlotte Hornets, Hayward has shown flashes of his former self, but injuries have plagued him, and he has been inconsistent at best.
The Hornets are in a rebuilding phase and might look to buy out Hayward’s hefty contract to clear cap space for their younger players. Although Hayward is still a capable scorer and can contribute to a playoff team, he is unlikely to fit into Charlotte’s long-term plans. A buyout could benefit both the Hornets and Hayward, allowing the player to find a better fit elsewhere.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: Injuries, a hefty contract, and the Hornets’ rebuilding phase.
Potential Landing Spots: Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, or Los Angeles Lakers.
Eric Gordon – Houston Rockets
Another Houston Rockets player, Eric Gordon, has been a solid contributor for many years, both as a starter and off the bench. However, as the Rockets continue to focus on younger talent, Gordon’s experience and scoring ability might be seen as expendable. Gordon has a relatively high salary, and a buyout could help the Rockets move forward with their younger players. Gordon could be a great addition to a contender in need of shooting and perimeter defense. His shooting ability and veteran leadership would make him a prime candidate for a playoff team looking to add scoring depth.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: The Rockets’ rebuild and Gordon’s diminishing role on the team.
Potential Landing Spots: Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, or Milwaukee Bucks.
Blake Griffin – Brooklyn Nets
Once one of the most dynamic athletes in the NBA, Blake Griffin has seen his role diminish significantly over the years. He has gone from a high-flying dunker to a more reserved, savvy veteran, but his skills are still valuable in the right situation. The Brooklyn Nets, with their focus on their Big Three and other younger pieces, might be looking to move on from Griffin to free up roster space. Griffin could still offer a team rebounding, leadership, and a versatile offensive game. He has reinvented himself as a more effective role player, and his experience in the postseason could prove valuable to a contender.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: Declining role in Brooklyn, the team’s focus on younger players.
Potential Landing Spots: Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, or Chicago Bulls.
DeAndre Jordan – Denver Nuggets
DeAndre Jordan, the veteran center known for his rim protection and rebounding, is in the twilight of his career. After being traded to the Denver Nuggets, Jordan has seen limited playing time due to the emergence of younger centers and the overall depth at his position. The Nuggets may choose to buy out Jordan to open up more space for their younger players and to provide cap flexibility. Despite being past his prime, Jordan could still provide an experienced backup center option for a playoff contender. His size and defensive presence could come in handy for teams needing a rim protector.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: Limited playing time and the Nuggets’ depth at the center position.
Potential Landing Spots: Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, or Brooklyn Nets.
Will Barton – Washington Wizards
Will Barton has been a consistent contributor in the NBA for years, known for his scoring and playmaking ability. However, after being traded to the Washington Wizards, Barton has seen his role decrease as the team embarks on a rebuilding phase. With a veteran-laden roster and younger players coming up, the Wizards might consider parting ways with Barton via a buyout to give him a chance to compete for a title with a contender. Barton’s scoring ability and versatility on both ends of the court make him an attractive option for a playoff-bound team.
Why He Might Be Bought Out: The Wizards’ rebuilding effort and the team’s desire to open up more opportunities for their younger players.
Potential Landing Spots: Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, or Los Angeles Clippers.
Why NBA Fans are Interested in the Buyout Market
NBA fans often have a vested interest in the buyout market for several reasons:
Player Movement: The excitement of seeing players potentially changing teams, especially stars or role players who can make an immediate impact on contenders.
Championship Aspirations: Fans of championship-contending teams look forward to the buyout market as it allows their teams to add valuable pieces for a playoff run.
Roster Construction: Fans are keen to understand how buyouts affect roster construction and which teams could significantly improve their odds of winning a title by signing a bought-out player.
Future Projections: The buyout market is a precursor to the playoffs, and understanding which players could be available helps fans anticipate the upcoming postseason matchups and possible surprises.
FAQs
What is the NBA buyout market?
The NBA buyout market refers to the process where a team and a player agree to terminate the player’s contract before the season ends. Typically, this happens after the trade deadline when a team wants to clear space for younger players or free up salary cap room. Players who are bought out become free agents and are eligible to sign with any team.
Why do teams and players agree to a buyout?
Teams might agree to a buyout because they are no longer using the player in their rotation or want to free up salary cap space for other purposes. On the flip side, players may agree to a buyout if they are not getting playing time or if they want to join a contender for a chance at a championship. It can also be a mutual decision to give the player a better opportunity to continue their career elsewhere.
How do NBA buyouts work financially?
When a player is bought out, they usually give up part of their remaining salary in exchange for the ability to sign with a new team. The amount the player gives up is negotiated and depends on how badly the player wants to leave. Once bought out, the player’s new team will typically pay them the veteran minimum or a prorated salary based on the remainder of the season. The original team often pays a portion of the remaining salary, depending on the buyout agreement.
How do buyout candidates impact fantasy basketball?
Buyout players can be a valuable asset in fantasy basketball, especially if they land on a contender or a team in need of their skill set. Keep an eye on players who join playoff-bound teams, as they may see an uptick in minutes and production. Look for players who can provide scoring, assists, or rebounds, depending on your fantasy team’s needs.
Can a player be traded and then bought out?
Yes, it’s possible for a player to be traded to another team and then bought out if they are not in the plans of the new team. This happens more often with veteran players who are traded to non-contending teams, where they are then waived and subsequently enter the buyout market.
In Summary
The NBA buyout market provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of professional basketball. As teams aim to bolster their rosters for playoff pushes, players like Russell Westbrook, John Wall, and Gordon Hayward are expected to be among the top candidates for a buyout in the 2025 season. These players could provide immediate value to contending teams looking to add depth and experience. Whether it’s for scoring, defense, or leadership, the buyout market always creates opportunities for both players and teams. With the NBA’s ever-changing dynamics, the buyout market will continue to be a topic of major interest in the 2025 season.
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