NBA: Top 5 Buyout Candidates for Playoff Teams

An action-packed NBA trade deadline filled with tons of emotions and drama came to a wild ending on Thursday afternoon as teams made one last push of increasing their chances of making it into the playoffs by adding key pieces to their respective rosters.

While the likes of Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and the New Orleans Pelicans acquired vaunted players like George Hill, Blake Griffin, and Nikola Mirotic, other teams such as the reigning world champions Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets remained silent as their rivals changed the landscape of the league.

With the deadline already hitting the zero mark, the attention now suddenly shifts to the ultimate method of adding players which is via the buyout market. Playoff-bound squads, who are not all too well of giving up one of their rising stars or a draft pick for an old-aged veteran, would rather wait for their targets to reach a buyout agreement before attempting to sign them.

Teams have until March 1 to sign a player in order for them to be eligible to play in the Playoffs. With that, Sportskeeda will look for the five best buyout candidates that can make an impact and improve the championship hopes of Playoff teams.

#5 Tony Allen -

#5 Tony Allen

Tony Allen was traded to the Chicago Bulls on February 1st.

While he may not be the player he once was, Tony Allen who was dealt by the New Orleans Pelicans to the Chicago Bulls last week can still do some damage on the defensive end of the floor posting season averages of 4.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.5 steals per game.

Allen, who was waived by the Bulls earlier today, has been limited to 22 games this season after suffering from a left fibula fracture but is expected to be healthy once the playoff unfolds.

Any team who are looking to strengthen their defensive woes can make a phone call to the three-time NBA all defense first team member who can give offensive players some headaches.

As per TNT's David Aldridge, Allen has already drawn interest from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets who are looking to bolster their respective lineups as they look forward to tough battles in the games ahead.

#4 Marco Belinelli

Atlanta Hawks v Dallas Mavericks — Marco BelinelliThe Atlanta Hawks announced on Friday that they have waived sweet-shooting guard Marco Belinelli, who appeared for the team in 52 games averaging 11.4 points and close to two three-point field goals made per game.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweets that Belinelli have garnered interest from the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and his former team, the San Antonio Spurs.

During his two-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs, Belinelli averaged 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds while posting career highs in three-point (0.43) and field goal (0.48) percentages in the 2013-2014 NBA season.

The 11-year veteran would be a profitable addition to any team as the Italian sharpshooter has been shooting the lights out from the three-point country this year making 37.2 percent of his shot attempts.

#3 Derrick Rose

Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards

Although he has yet to regain his old All-Star form back, Derrick Rose would be a solid pick up for any playoff team looking for a backup point guard that would take away the pressure from their starters.

The 29-year-old former league Most Valuable Player suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this year recording season averages of 9.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 19 minutes of play before being part of Thursday's three-team deal that sent him to the Utah Jazz.

Once he reaches a buyout arrangement with the Jazz, Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson reports that Rose is considering the possibility of reuniting with his former mentor Tom Thibodeau with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While Rose may have the Timberwolves on top of the list of his next possible destinations, other contenders should also consider bringing him to give younger players some veteran leadership to prepare them for the lung-busting wars.

#2 Joe Johnson

Los Angeles Clippers v Utah Jazz - Game Four

Seven-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson was sent to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that involves the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Utah Jazz last Thursday. However, Johnson is expected to reach a buyout contract with the Kings making him an unrestricted free agent.

The 36-year-old Johnson who averaged 12.6 points per game in last year's playoffs have yet to reach an agreement but has already received multiple interests from Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and the Houston Rockets.

Johnson, who is known for his ability to get hot at an opportune time would certainly spell the difference for any squad looking to make a resounding impact in the postseason as the former All NBA third team member shoots 42.8 percent from the field in 12 years of Playoff appearances.

#1 Tyreke Evans - Memphis Grizzlies

Perhaps the most intriguing buyout prospect on the list. Tyreke Evans has suddenly revived his career with the Memphis Grizzlies this season averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists which are close to his remarkable 20-5-5 year during his rookie season last 2010.

The former NBA Rookie of the Year Awardee was expected to be moved by Memphis during the deadline but wanting a first round pick in return made halted those deals thus leaving the Grizzlies with no choice but to likely waive him.

Evans who has sat out for the past week with the expectation of being traded will generate a lot of attention from contender squads who are looking to get the most of his production this season during the playoffs.

Expected to make a shot for Evans is the Boston Celtics who tried to trade for him during deadline but failed to do so after the Grizzlies declined their offer of two second-round picks and Guerschon Yabusele.