NBA Rumors: Ranking the 5 best potential buyout candidates

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 23: Joe Johnson #6 of the Utah Jazz tries to drive past the defense of Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of the 105-98 win by the Jazz in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 23: Joe Johnson #6 of the Utah Jazz tries to drive past the defense of Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of the 105-98 win by the Jazz in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 2: Referee Steve Anderson #35 listens to Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after Thomas was charged with a technical foul during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 2, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 2: Referee Steve Anderson #35 listens to Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after Thomas was charged with a technical foul during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 2, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Honorable Mentions

Isaiah Thomas – In the even that things breakdown between Isaiah Thomas and the Los Angeles Lakers, because he likely won’t be the starter and will have to play behind Lonzo Ball, Thomas could be the top buyout option. The reason why he’s on the honorable mentions list is because there’s a better chance that he isn’t bought out than he is.

Nerlens Noel – Noel is likely in the same scenario as Isaiah Thomas. There’s no guarantee that he’s going to be bought out, but if he is a change of scenery could be exactly what Noel needs.

Vince Carter – Half Man Half Amazing might be more man than amazing at this point in his career, but he could be a valuable veteran off a playoff hopeful’s bench. Carter isn’t going to light up the scoreboard on every night, but his experience and leadership is something that isn’t measured on the stat sheet. 

Derrick Rose – Assuming that Rose will be bought out, he will be a wanted man. But with the way that Rose has played – and acted – over the last couple of seasons makes him a risk. Can he be counted on?