As with every trade deadline, some undesirable players in their franchise are transferred with Draft picks only to be cut by their new team. Without a contract, these gentlemen are then free to work wherever they want, on the condition of course of an agreement. The winter 2023 edition was no exception to the rule, so let’s take a look at the players who might be released soon by their new home.
The concept of the buy out is not new. A player with a very big contract, who does not meet the expectations placed on him? No time to get bogged down with such a problem. NBA franchises like to pass on rotten contracts to each other. The equation is simple: a team sends a lame contract – often with good Draft choices, in compensation – to a franchise that is much less sportingly strong, which absorbs the said salary before releasing the player. Once cut, the player in question is therefore free, on the condition of an agreement with another team, to commit where he wishes… even if the trade deadline has passed.
# Russell Westbrook
End clap for Westbrook’s adventure in Los Angeles. The Lakers sent him in the first really big transfer of the day yesterday. With him, the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick, protected on picks 1-4. Logically, the Jazz shouldn’t keep the point guard, and cut him very soon because he doesn’t fit into the reconstruction project currently underway. The Clippers and the Heat have already shown interest in signing Brodie. Case to follow.
# John Wall
All Clippers fans saw it as a nice move at the start of the season. A leader who has proven that he can be very serious, but who has been alternating between the worst and the completely bad for several years. With fewer responsibilities, he confided at the start of the season that he had possibly found the right formula. Ay caramba, failed once more. Three very mixed months with the Sailboats, and it clears almost as quickly as it happened. Sent to the Rockets, he risks being cut twice by the same franchise in a single season. Even when you’re lame, you can make an impression, huh.
# Reggie Jackson
The Clippers definitely didn’t have time to fool around yesterday. A big player in the final moments of the trade deadline, the other Los Angeles team also sent Reggie Jackson elsewhere. In this case, in Charlotte once morest Mason Plumlee. The Hornets, actively looking for an ultra-competitive team to lose games, should not retain Reggie Jackson, according to Shams Charania.
# Patrick Beverley
No doubt the camera episode will have been too much for Patoche. Sent to the Magic once morest Mo Bamba, the loudest energizer in the NBA should not be kept by Mickey’s gang, according to several rumors. The fact remains that his defensive abilities and his numerical contributions can appeal to a team that would like to strengthen their bench. It is still recommended to plan extracurricular activities to channel the guy, just in case.
# But also…
- Serge Ibakasent by the Bucks to Indiana, where a buyout is expected once the transfer is fully validated.
- George Hillwhich does not necessarily have a coherent place in the Pacers’ project.
- Justin Holidayjust arrived at the Rockets, who might release him because anyway, they have no idea what they are doing.
- Danny Green, also with the Rockets, is considered to be cut, on paper. He is still a notable veteran of this league, and might help the young Rockets to develop… To be seen.
The Pacers plan to waive Serge Ibaka and he will hit the open market, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/X2lxZ1G2mu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 9, 2023
Source : ESPN, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports