NBA Signings: Potential Destinations for 10 Players Who Could Receive Buyouts
With the trade deadline now in the rear-view mirror and the race to the postseason picking up steam, teams with playoff and championship aspirations will look to add bought-out players in the coming days to strengthen their teams.
Many of the favorites to be playing for the NBA title in June are among the teams that have been linked to players that have either recently been bought out of their contracts or are rumored to possibly be receiving buy-outs soon.
This slideshow lists ten players that have been bought out or could receive buyouts soon, as well as which team I think each player will sign with for the postseason race.
10. Leon Powe
1 of 10
Season Stats: 5.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.1 assists
Potential Destinations: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets
Where He Lands: Memphis Grizzlies. While Powe and the Celtics have mutual interest in each other, I think Powe will eventually choose the Grizzlies over a return to Boston. Powe would be a great addition for the Grizzlies as they look towards their first trip to the postseason in five years. He would also provide more depth for Memphis' depleted front court.
9. T.J. Ford
2 of 10
Season Stats: 5.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Potential Destinations: Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers
Where He Lands: San Antonio Spurs. With Tony Parker likely out for the next two to four weeks with a calf injury, Ford would be a huge addition for the Spurs if he hits the market. However, it is unlikely Ford will receive a buyout from the Pacers, meaning the Spurs will have to likely look elsewhere for help while Parker is out.
8. Corey Brewer
3 of 10
Season Stats: 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Potential Destinations: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder
Where He Lands: Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks are in need of some help to fill the void left by Caron Butler's injury, and Brewer would be a great player to fill-in during his absence. With Brewer in their line-up, Dallas would once again become one of the favorites to come out of the Western Conference.
7. Richard Hamilton
4 of 10
Season Stats: 13.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Potential Destinations: San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls
Where He Lands: Detroit Pistons. Hamilton has clearly fallen out of favor in Detroit and while he is still rumored to potentially receive a buyout, he likely killed his chances when he vetoed a trade that would've sent him to Cleveland. Hamilton's reluctance to give up $9 million in salary in the buyout he would've received from the Cavaliers will likely cost him a chance to chase a title this season.
6. Morris Peterson
5 of 10
Season Stats: 1.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.3 assists (only appeared in four games with the Oklahoma City Thunder this season)
Potential Destinations: San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics
Where He Lands: Boston Celtics. Mo Pete hasn't played much this season, however, his veteran experience and career 37 percent shooting would fit in greatly for the Celtics. Boston could use another guard to replace the hole left by Nate Robinson's departure at the deadline, and Peterson could be the perfect guy.
5. Tayshaun Prince
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Season Stats: 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Potential Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs
Where He Lands: Detroit Pistons. While Prince has clearly been frustrated in Detroit this season, it doesn't appear likely he will receive a buyout, although he is reportedly still trying. Prince would be a great addition for the Mavericks if he somehow does receive his buyout, as they failed to acquire a small forward at the deadline to replace injured Caron Butler.
4. Rasual Butler
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Season Stats: 5.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists
Potential Destinations: San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks
Where He Lands: Chicago Bulls. According to ESPN's Ric Bucher, Butler will sign with the Chicago Bulls once he clears waivers. Butler will give Chicago another solid shooter from downtown and further adds to their already talented team. Butler's addition definitely will the Bulls as they try to catch the heat and Celtics in the East.
3. Dan Gadzuric
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Season Stats: 2.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.4 assists (with Golden State Warriors & New Jersey Nets)
Potential Destinations: Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies
Where He Lands: Miami Heat. While it doesn't appear likely Gadzuric will receive his buy-out, he is apparently at least trying to negotiate one with the Nets. If the two sides do in fact come to terms, I think Gadzuric would be a good fit for the Heat, who have struggled often at the center position this season.
2. Troy Murphy
9 of 10
Season Stats: 3.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists (only appeared in 18 games with New Jersey Nets this season)
Potential Destinations: Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks
Where He Lands: Boston Celtics. According to multiple reports, Murphy has narrowed his choices down to Miami and Boston, and I think he will end up signing with the reigning East champions over the team trying to take their crown this season. Murphy would definitely help soften the blow of Kendrick Perkin's departure at the trade deadline.
1. Mike Bibby
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Season Stats: 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists (with Atlanta Hawks & Washington Wizards)
Potential Destinations: Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics
Where He Lands: Miami Heat. While Bibby's agent, David Falk, is trying to convince anyone willing to listen that Bibby is considering multiple teams, there are multiple sources that are saying Bibby is on his way to the Heat. Bibby would be likely walk into the starting job, as Miami has struggled at the point guard position all season long.
