Now that the NBA trade deadline and All-Star break are both behind us, buyout time is here. Let’s take a look at who’s moved to new clubs and who could be next.
As expected, the 2022 NBA trade deadline was plenty of excitement. James Harden was traded to the 76ers for Ben Simmons, Kristaps Porzingis went from Dallas to Washington, and although the Lakers and Knicks stayed put, it’s possible they were just looking forward to what’s always next.
One example of the unusual nature of the league’s wage guidelines is seen in the collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players.
Buying And Selling in the NBA
Once the cutoff date has passed, any player under contract who wants to leave may agree to always be bought out and then sign with anybody they choose. Even while the guys available during the buyout period aren’t necessarily the league’s greatest stars, taking advantage of it might give a playoff-bound club the edge it needs.
View More: What is Big3 Basketball?
Spotrac was used to compile all of the contract and salary information. Players who are bought out and move before the March 1 deadline will still be eligible to play for their new club in the playoffs.
SG Kent Bazemore
- Current Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Current Contract: 1 year, $2,401,537
- 2021-22 Salary: $2,401,537
- Age: 32
PG/SG Eric Bledsoe
- Current Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- Current Contract: 4 years, $70,000,000
- 2021-22 Salary: $18,125,000
- Age: 32
SIGNED: PG/SG Goran Dragić
- Released By: San Antonio Spurs
- Signed With: Brooklyn Nets
- Age: 35
This deal has the potential to be the most significant in the NBA buyout market in 2022. GoranDragi does not possess the offensive force he was in his peak with the Phoenix Suns, but he will still play both guard spots and offer spark plug scoring for a Nets club that has championship aspirations.
PF/C Derrick Favors
- Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Current Contract: 3 years, $29,162,700
- 2021-22 Salary: $9,720,900
- Age: 30
PF Blake Griffin
- Current Team: Brooklyn Nets
- Current Contract: 1 year, $2,641,691
- 2021-22 Salary: $2,641,691
- Age: 32
SG Gary Harris
- Current Team: Orlando Magic
- Current Contract: 4 years, $84,000,000
- 2021-22 Salary: $20,482,143
- Age: 27
The Nuggets’ and the Magic’s matchup from last season Gary Harris, who moved from Denver to Oklahoma City as part of the deal that brought Aaron Gordon to the Thunder, is an interesting wing option for clubs that may not otherwise consider him due to his prohibitive salary budget hit of over $20 million.
C DeAndre Jordan
- Current Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Current Contract: 1 year, $2,641,691
- 2021-22 Salary: $2,641,691
- Age: 33
SG Jeremy Lamb
- Current Team: Sacramento Kings
- Current Contract: 3 years, $31,500,000
- 2021-22 Salary: $10,500,000
- Age: 29
C Robin Lopez
- Current Team: Orlando Magic
- Current Contract: 1 year, $5,000,000
- 2021-22 Salary: $5,000,000
- Age: 33
PF Paul Millsap
- Current Team: Philadelphia 76ers
- Current Contract: 1 year, $2,641,691
- 2021-22 Salary: $2,641,691
- Age: 37
SG Tomáš Satoransky
- Current Team: San Antonio Spurs
- Current Contract: 3 years, $30,000,000
- 2021-22 Salary: $10,000,000
- Age: 30
PG/SG Dennis Schröder
- Current Team: Houston Rockets
- Current Contract: 1 year, $5,890,000
- 2021-22 Salary: $5,890,000
- Age: 28
SIGNED: PF/C Tristan Thompson
- Released By: Indiana Pacers
- Signed With: Chicago Bulls
- Age: 30
After a rough start to the year as the Sacramento Kings, things are looking up for Tristan Thompson. Following a buyout from his short stint with the Pacers after being acquired in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton. The former Cavalier and Celtic are currently playing for Billy Donovan and the unexpectedly potent Chicago Bulls. After the current campaign, he will be a free agent.
PG John Wall
- Current Team: Houston Rockets
- Current Contract: 4 years, $171,131,520
- 2021-22 Salary: $44,310,840
- Age: 31
Final Words
John Wall is in a unique position inside the NBA. Because he is in the second-to-last year of a supermax deal, it would be tough to trade for him through the standard channels. Nevertheless, he may become the most fascinating buyout case we’ve ever seen if he were willing to leave an undeniably tremendous amount of money on its table in return for the prospect of a new start somewhere.
