Breaking down five recently bought out NBA players that will make a splash on their new playoff pushing teams
With the chaotic NBA trade deadline out of the way, players are being bought out of their contracts which is allowing them to pursue joining playoff teams.
In other words, teams are picking up the slack that other teams have left behind.
It’s a crucial part of year as teams are looking to prepare themselves for a playoff push. Moves are made early because teams are primarily looking at the long term aspect. Obtaining veterans around this time of year is key and if teams didn’t make any moves during the trade deadline, they often make moves after it.
Here are some players that teams either have signed (and what their impact could be) or should take a closer look at.
Joe Johnson, Houston Rockets
Iso Joe has been an elite isolation scorer for many years in the league, but the buyout from the Sacramento Kings allowed him to sign with the Houston Rockets. The signing is interesting because teams like the Warriors, Cavaliers, and Celtics could be perceived as much better options. Johnson, clearly, thought otherwise.
With this signing, the Rockets have another offensive threat on their bench. The Rockets’ bench looks even more impressive with Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario, Gerald Green, PJ Tucker, and now Joe Johnson.
Johnson is a guy who will create his own offense off the dribble roughly 80 percent of the time. He can be available as a starter if need be and sliding him to the four could be a nice addition to their small ball lineup.
Ty Lawson
Potential landing spot: Washington Wizards
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Washington Wizards are strongly considering signing Ty Lawson. With John Wall out due to injury, Tomas Satoransky is currently the starting point guard. Although, in need of a veteran presence, this move could make (at least some) sense for the Wizards.
Even though Lawson hasn’t played in the NBA this season – he was last seen with the Sacramento Kings last season – he does have nine years of experience under his belt at this level. He could really take a load of in the backcourt, and could still serve as a reserve when Wall returns.
Derrick Rose
Potential landing spot: Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards
Since suffering a gruesome knee injury, the former NBA MVP has been struggling to get his career back on track. On trade deadline day, he was involved in a three team trade that sent him to the Utah Jazz. He was later released by the Jazz and two teams have “reportedly” been eyeing him.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in talks with Rose and, believe it or not, this could be a positive for the Timberwolves. Rose can provide a balanced play style to Minnesota and could either play behind Jeff Teague or be a starter surrounding Jimmy Butler, Wiggins, and Towns. It all depends if the Timberwolves want to take a chance on the 29-year-old vet.
The Wizards are another team that have been actively searching for a backup point guard, and Rose could be an option. Rose could see a lot of potential playing time with the Wizards assuming Wall is still going to be out for the foreseeable future.
Marco Belinelli, Philadelphia 76ers
Marco Belinelli agreed to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers after he reached a buyout agreement from the Atlanta Hawks over the last few days. At this point in his career, a player like Belinelli is brought in for one thing and one thing only. To shoot.
Belinelli is a true shooter who creates more depth with Philadelphia’s bench. With a consistent 37 percent 3-point percentage, he poses as another J.J. Redick-type on the floor.
Again, Belinelli doesn’t drastically change the outlook for the Sixers this season – although he should help the team’s push towards the playoffs – his threat as a shooter should be enough to help the team, even in his expected limited minutes, moving forward.
Greg Monroe, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics picked up a huge sleeper in the NBA’s buyout free agency with the signing of Greg Monroe.
After being traded to the Suns earlier this season, where he played 20 games, Monroe was bought out after not being moved at the trade deadline. Monroe was never going to come in and start for the C’s. However, he does add some much needed frontcourt depth to the team.
Even though the NBA is quickly moving away from the big man, especially those of yesteryear, Monroe is still the type of player you want to add in the middle of the season.
Other notable free agents to keep an eye on
- Thomas Robinson
- Gary Neal
- Matt Barnes
- Brandon Jennings
- David Lee
- Kendrick Perkins – Cleveland Cavaliers (maybe)
- Monta Ellis
The playoff eligibility waiver deadline is March 1, giving teams a few more weeks to sign free agents for the second half of the season and the playoffs.
Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft: Big board 5.0; Mo Bamba continues to rise
A few teams that are expected to be active in the recruiting phase are your typical contenders – the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. I think it’s safe to say the Houston Rockets have made their moves, by adding Joe Johnson and Brandan Wright.