As the NBA trade deadline passes, several top teams in the league are setting their sights on the buyout market for potential roster enhancements. Key candidates for buyouts primarily consist of veterans who have been recently traded or players who have found limited roles on their respective teams during the 2024-25 season. However, the buyout market is subject to restrictions due to salary cap limitations, making it less of a free-for-all than it might initially appear. For instance, teams like the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are among seven franchises that are unable to sign a player with a salary exceeding $12,822,000, according to Spotrac.

The buyout transactions are anticipated to unfold over the weekend as teams revamp their rosters in advance of the final stretch of the regular season. Recently, Marcus Smart was transferred to the Washington Wizards from the Memphis Grizzlies. Having participated in only 19 games for the Grizzlies this season, Smart now finds himself on a Wizards roster that offers limited playing opportunities. Washington appears focused on developing its young core, making it unlikely that they would allocate playing time to Smart over promising players like Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, or Carlton Carrington. Additionally, with veteran ball handler Malcolm Brogdon already on the roster, the Wizards may find themselves needing to make a choice between retaining Smart or Brogdon moving forward.

Brogdon serves as another significant veteran option on the buyout market, facing a similar predicament as Smart. Washington is unlikely to keep both players due to space constraints, especially since Brogdon has already seen limited action this season, averaging just 24.1 minutes per game across 21 appearances. Even during a recent depleted roster situation, Brogdon only logged 17 minutes on the court. His contract, valued at $22.5 million, complicates potential acquisitions, although his status as a free agent at season's end may attract interest from teams like Philadelphia, which recently parted ways with Reggie Jackson. Brogdon could enhance the 76ers by providing a stronger backup point guard option compared to Kyle Lowry. The Memphis Grizzlies may also have interest in Brogdon; however, they could have potentially executed a simpler swap involving Smart rather than navigating the buyout market.

Bruce Brown has found a new home in New Orleans as part of the compensation for the Brandon Ingram trade with Toronto. With a contract of $23 million this season, Brown's pool of potential suitors may be limited in the event of a buyout. Although the Pelicans may opt to retain Brown as they rebuild around Zion Williamson, ensuring his compatibility within the rotation is essential. If New Orleans decides on a buyout, the Golden State Warriors could present an intriguing opportunity, considering they may be seeking an upgrade over some of their younger talent. Furthermore, the Philadelphia 76ers might require additional depth in the frontcourt for support alongside Joel Embiid and Guershon Yabusele, while the Los Angeles Clippers might also be looking for forward depth as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings.

Another name generating interest in the buyout market is Lonnie Walker. Reports indicate that Walker has an escape clause in his contract with Zalgiris, valid until February 18. Having performed exceptionally well in the Euroleague this season, Walker has captured the attention of NBA teams. His relatively lower salary demands compared to other candidates might make him more accessible for teams like the Lakers and Celtics, as well as the Bucks. Given the scarcity of options available for teams with salary cap constraints, Walker could receive numerous inquiries in the upcoming days regarding a possible return to the NBA.