{"id":122775,"date":"2025-02-08T07:24:02","date_gmt":"2025-02-08T12:24:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=122775"},"modified":"2025-02-08T07:24:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-08T12:24:02","slug":"after-craig-whos-next-buyout-market-tiers-and-likely-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/08\/after-craig-whos-next-buyout-market-tiers-and-likely-teams\/","title":{"rendered":"After Craig, Who&#8217;s Next? Buyout Market Tiers And Likely Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/craigto01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Torrey Craig<\/a> has joined the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/06\/boston-celtics-sign-torrey-craig-after-trade-deadline\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Celtics<\/a> after being waived by the Chicago Bulls. With the NBA trade deadline behind us, front offices now turn their attention to the buyout market. While the trade deadline delivered blockbuster moves, this year\u2019s buyout market lacks the same appeal.<\/p>\n<h2>After Craig, Who&#8217;s Next? Buyout Market Tiers and Likely Teams<\/h2>\n<p>However, teams still have opportunities to bolster their rosters. New <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.hoopsrumors.com\/2024\/01\/clarifying-the-nbas-new-rule-on-buyout-signings.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">rules<\/a> from the current Collective Bargaining Agreement <a  href=\"https:\/\/nbpa.com\/cba\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(CBA)<\/a> prevent players earning above $12.82m (this year&#8217;s Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception) from joining teams over the first or second apron. This changes the landscape, making it harder for contenders to add veterans on the cheap.<\/p>\n<p>Despite these restrictions, several players could still reach the buyout market. Let\u2019s examine the most likely candidates and the teams that could use their services.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Surefire Buyouts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Ben Simmons (Brooklyn Nets, PG, 28 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/20206\/ben-simmons\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$40.32 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Cavaliers, Clippers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/simmobe01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ben Simmons<\/a> is the biggest name in buyout discussions. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/07\/nets-ben-simmons-contract-buyout\/\" target=\"_self\">Reports<\/a> suggest Brooklyn is close to a buyout. If waived, teams like the Cavaliers and Clippers could value his defense and playmaking, though his offensive limitations remain a concern.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Marvin Bagley III (Memphis Grizzlies, C\/PF, 26 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/26968\/marvin-bagley-iii\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$12.50 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Knicks, Suns, Pacers, Nuggets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/baglema01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marvin Bagley<\/a> is on an expiring deal, and Memphis has plenty of frontcourt depth. His numbers have dropped this season, but he remains a capable scorer and rebounder. The Knicks, Suns, and Nuggets all need bench size, making him a prime buyout candidate.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Bojan Bogdanovic (Brooklyn Nets, SF\/PF, 35 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/8083\/bojan-bogdanovic\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$19.03 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Kings, Clippers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bogdabo02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bojan Bogdanovic<\/a> hasn\u2019t played this season, but teams know his scoring ability. If Brooklyn needs a roster spot, he could be bought out. The Kings, desperate for bench production, would be an ideal landing spot. The Clippers could also show interest, though defensive concerns remain. They also just <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/06\/clippers-trades-for-bogdanovic-role-players-at-deadline\/\" target=\"_self\">acquired<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bogdabo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bogdan Bogdanovic<\/a> so he could be redundant to their needs now.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Seth Curry (Charlotte Hornets, PG\/SG, 34 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/13512\/seth-curry\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$2.08 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Any playoff-bound team<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryse01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Curry\u2019s<\/a> three-point shooting makes him a valuable target for contenders. If Charlotte needs a roster spot, he\u2019ll likely be waived. His 43.2% career three-point percentage makes him a fit for any team looking to improve floor spacing.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Reggie Jackson (Washington Wizards, PG, 34 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/8075\/reggie-jackson\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$3.03 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Any playoff team<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jacksre01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reggie Jackson<\/a>, moved in a salary-clearing deal, has no future in Washington. He\u2019ll likely be waived and could join a team needing backcourt depth. However, his impact has been minimal in recent years, making him more of a depth option.<\/p>\n<p>Update: He has been <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/news\/sixers-trade-reggie-jackson-wizards\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">waived<\/a> by the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/05\/bucks-and-wizards-trade-former-nba-champions\/\" target=\"_self\">Wizards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Tre Jones (Chicago Bulls, PG, 25 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/70683\/tre-jones#:~:text=2023%2D2024%20Free%20Agent,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%249%2C104%2C167.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$9.10 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Lakers, Kings, Nuggets, Clippers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonestr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tre Jones<\/a> is a quality backup guard. Chicago\u2019s guard-heavy roster makes him expendable, and multiple contenders could use his steady playmaking. The Lakers, Kings, Nuggets, and Clippers all have a need for a reliable second-unit ball-handler.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Uncertain Buyouts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Malcolm Brogdon (Washington Wizards, PG\/SG, 32 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/20242\/malcolm-brogdon#:~:text=Malcolm%20Brogdon%20signed%20a%202,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%2422%2C500%2C000.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$22.50 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Kings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brogdma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malcolm Brogdon\u2019s<\/a> situation is complicated. He can\u2019t join apron teams, limiting his options. Washington might prefer keeping him for future trade value as they have his bird rights. Brogdon could have more financial security in the long run sticking with the Wizards. However, if he\u2019s bought out, the Kings could use his bench scoring and playmaking.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Monte Morris (Phoenix Suns, PG, 29 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/23652\/monte-morris\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$2.08 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Any team needing a backup guard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/morrimo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Monte Morris<\/a> has fallen out of Phoenix\u2019s rotation. If waived, he would immediately draw interest from teams needing a steady backup guard. Given his veteran minimum contract, teams could even claim him outright.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>P.J. Tucker (Toronto Raptors, PF, 39 years old)<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Remaining Salary:<\/strong> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/11059\/pj-tucker\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$11.53 million<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best Fits:<\/strong> Lakers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tuckepj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PJ Tucker<\/a> hasn\u2019t played in nearly a year, making his value questionable. However, the Lakers, after shedding some veteran depth via trades at the deadline, might take a chance on his leadership and defensive toughness.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Teams Most Active in the Buyout Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Several teams will aggressively pursue buyout candidates, while others face limitations due to cap restrictions.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Teams With the Most Need:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Knicks<\/strong> \u2013 Lacking <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/teams\/traditional?StarterBench=Bench&amp;sort=PTS\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bench<\/a> scoring and frontcourt depth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suns<\/strong> \u2013 Struggling in <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/teams\/traditional?StarterBench=&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=REB\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">rebounding<\/a> and missing size after <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/06\/trade-grades-the-suns-solve-major-issues-with-nurkic-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">trading<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/n\/nurkiju01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jusuf Nurkic<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kings<\/strong> \u2013 Desperate for bench production.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lakers<\/strong> \u2013 Could use a point-of-attack defender and bench scoring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Teams With Limited Buyout Options:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns<\/strong> \u2013 All are <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/apron\/_\/year\/2024\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">over<\/a> the first or second apron and cannot sign high-salary buyouts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mavericks, Warriors<\/strong> \u2013 Near the first apron, unlikely to be major players.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The 2025 Buyout Market&#8217;s Limited upside<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The 2025 buyout market won\u2019t be as exciting as previous years, but key contributors could still emerge. While top contenders face restrictions, several playoff teams remain active. Keep an eye on Bagley, Bogdanovic, and Curry as potential impact additions.<\/p>\n<p><em><label>Credit: <\/label>\u00a9 Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Torrey Craig has joined the Boston Celtics after being waived by the Chicago Bulls. With the NBA trade deadline behind us, front offices now turn their attention to the buyout market. While the trade deadline delivered blockbuster moves, this year\u2019s buyout market lacks the same appeal. After Craig, Who&#8217;s Next? Buyout Market Tiers and Likely [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5018,"featured_media":122780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,26,12,28,29],"tags":[49979,266,237,616,49671,609,1418,2157,4261,2282,170,585,2152,1823],"class_list":["post-122775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-lakers","category-knicks","category-suns","category-kings","tag-2024-25-nba-season","tag-ben-simmons","tag-bojan-bogdanovic","tag-cba","tag-exceptions","tag-malcolm-brogdon","tag-marvin-bagley-iii","tag-monte-morris","tag-nba-buyout","tag-pj-tucker","tag-reggie-jackson","tag-seth-curry","tag-torrey-craig","tag-tre-jones"],"modified_by":"Frederick Okocha","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=122775"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122775\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":122781,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122775\/revisions\/122781"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/122780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=122775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=122775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=122775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}