2026 NBA Buyout Tracker: Latest Moves and Candidates
2026-nba-buyout-market-tracker
The 2026 NBA trade deadline has passed, but clubs are still reshaping rosters as the regular season heads into its final two months. Veteran players seeking larger roles—or teams looking to clear spots for younger talent—continue to hit the buyout market, and contenders are monitoring every move ahead of the March 1 playoff-eligibility waiver deadline.
Recently waived or bought-out veterans still on the market
- Lonzo Ball, G
- Chris Boucher, F/C
- Eric Gordon, G
- Haywood Highsmith, G/F
- Georges Niang, F
- Mason Plumlee, C
- Dario Šarić, F/C
These players own multiple years of NBA experience and could draw interest from playoff hopefuls. Highsmith and Niang are currently sidelined but are expected to return before season’s end.
Veterans who found new teams after buyouts
- Jevon Carter: waived by the Bulls; signed with the Magic
- Cam Thomas: waived by the Nets; signed with the Bucks
- Pat Connaughton: waived by the Hornets; re-signed with the Hornets
- Mike Conley: waived by the Hornets; plans to sign with the Timberwolves
Top buyout or release candidates
Most realistic:
- Cole Anthony (Suns)
- Chris Paul (Raptors)
- D’Angelo Russell (Wizards)
- Matisse Thybulle (Trail Blazers)
Possible:
- Kyle Anderson (Grizzlies)
- Marvin Bagley III (Mavericks)
- Amir Coffey (Suns)
- Drew Eubanks (Kings)
- DeAndre Jordan (Pelicans)
- Maxi Kleber (Lakers)
- Kevon Looney (Pelicans)
- Kevin Love (Jazz)
- Doug McDermott (Kings)
- Xavier Tillman Sr. (Hornets)
- Russell Westbrook (Kings)
- Guerschon Yabusele (Bulls)
Long shots:
- Bogdan Bogdanović (Clippers)*
- Jordan Clarkson (Knicks)
- Khris Middleton (Mavericks)*
- Jusuf Nurkić (Jazz)*
- Kelly Olynyk (Spurs)
*Players marked with an asterisk earn more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.104 million) and cannot sign with teams operating above either tax apron.
Teams currently over a tax apron
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Golden State Warriors
- New York Knicks
Any player whose pre-waiver salary exceeds the non-taxpayer mid-level cannot join these clubs.
The buyout market remains fluid, and the list above will evolve as additional veterans are released or signed before the March 1 deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
