The 2024 NBA trade deadline is at 3:00 PM ET on Thursday, February 8. That means teams are facing their last window to make significant upgrades to their roster. But there’s one more transaction window that comes after the trade deadline has come and gone.

The buyout market has become the trade deadline’s less glamorous cousin. The big moves are done at the deadline, but there are always a handful more deals to come through the end of February.

Following the February 8 trade deadline, the next big date to watch is March 1. Players waived after March 1 are not eligible to play in that season’s playoffs. Effectively, that’s the last day for players to get set free to catch on with playoff teams following the trade deadline.

The way this happens is that the player is waived by his current team. Upon clearing waivers, which the vast majority of players do, they become a free agent. In many of these cases, players and their former team will come to an agreement to buy out the remainder of their contract. This means the player gives back some portion of their guaranteed salary in order to become a free agent.

Sometimes these buyouts occur immediately on the heels of the trade deadline and the player clears waivers by the end of the weekend. For others, the buyout negotiations may run through the All-Star break and get completed before the end of the month. But in almost all cases, any significant buyouts will occur by March 1, to allow that player to remain playoff-eligible.

This season, there is a wrinkle to the buyout market. Under the new CBA, teams that are above the first tax apron are not eligible to sign any players whose previous salary was above the Non-Taxpayer MLE equivalent. For this season, that amount is $12,405,000. The following teams are currently above the first apron:

• Boston Celtics
• Denver Nuggets
• Golden State Warriors
• LA Clippers
• Miami Heat
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Phoenix Suns

Below are some players to keep an on eye on for the 2024 buyout market. In most cases, these are veterans on an expiring contract. Some may have some salary that goes into next season. It’s rare for a deal running more than two seasons to be bought out, but it does occasionally happen.

In addition, most of these players are either out of their team’s rotation, or they are blocking minutes for a younger player to get into their team’s rotation. For some, their teams are expected to make other changes before the deadline, which will push them even further to the backend of the roster.

It’s also worth noting that every player listed here is also a possibility to be traded. We’re not going to repeat that point with each player listed. In some cases, they could be traded and then bought out. Mostly, this is a list of players who could take a buyout if they are still on a roster somewhere at the end of the day on trade deadline day of Thursday, February 8.

Lastly, just about every player on this list will be recognizable to even casual NBA fans. They’ve all played big roles at some point in their careers. However, for many of these players, we’re at the point in their careers where they are more name than game. No one listed here is overly likely to swing a playoff game, never mind a playoff series. Keep that in mind when dreaming about how your team could fill out their bench on the buyout market.

Davis Bertans (Oklahoma City Thunder, PF, 31 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $17 million in 2023-24, $5.25 million guaranteed in 2024-25

Bertans has seldom played as a part of the Thunder’s rotation this season. He’s essentially a three-point specialist now, but still a fairly good one. OKC has worked buyouts with veterans in the past, especially after exhausting the trade market for them. In Bertans’ case, exhausting the trade market could stretch into next summer as the Thunder could guarantee a larger portion of his contract to use him in an offseason deal.

UPDATE: Traded to the Hornets

Andre Drummond (Chicago Bulls, C, 30 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $3.4 million in 2023-24

Drummond has been having a very productive season for the Bulls. He’s one of the best backup centers in the NBA now. Chicago should be able to find a trade for him, if they desire. If they don’t, Drummond could agitate for buyout, because he could help a contender in a bigger role. But the Bulls are also apparently leaning into a postseason push via the Play-In Tournament. Don’t be surprised if Drummond finishes the year in Chicago as the Bulls backup center.

Evan Fournier (New York Knicks, SG/SF, 31 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $18.6 million in 2023-24, $19 million team option in 2024-25

Fournier isn’t a part of the Knicks rotation. He only sees minutes when the team is down several players on the wing. But his contract is a really nice piece of salary-matching in any potential trade. Don’t bet on a buyout for that reason. If New York doesn’t make a move using Fournier’s contract at the trade deadline, look for them to pick up his team option for next season. That will allow the Knicks to keep Fournier as a salary-matching piece in a deal over the summer and all the way through the 2025 trade deadline, if necessary.

UPDATE: Traded to the Pistons, unlikely to work a buyout

Danilo Gallinari (Detroit Pistons, PF/C, 35 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $6.8 million in 2023-24

Gallinari has flashed in moments since getting traded to Detroit in mid-January. He doesn’t have a real place on the Pistons though, as they’ve got younger players who need minutes. If Detroit can’t swing another trade for Gallinari, he’s a prime buyout candidate. The extra bonus? Gallo’s salary is under the Non-Taxpayer MLE amount. That makes him free to join any team in the league for the stretch run.

UPDATE: Waived by the Pistons

Joe Harris (Detroit Pistons, SF/SG, 32 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $19.9 million in 2023-24

Harris hasn’t played much for the Pistons. He’s still a pretty good shooter though and teams are always looking for shooting. The challenge is that Harris makes too much to join any of the apron teams. But there are playoff teams where he could provide some shooting in a bench role. And Detroit clearly has no need for him, with younger players getting all the minutes in front of Harris.

UPDATE: Waived by the Pistons

Gordon Hayward (Charlotte Hornets, SF/SG, 33 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $31.5 million in 2023-24

Under the old CBA, Hayward would have been a prime buyout candidate. He’s a health-risk to be sure, but Hayward is very productive when he plays. He’s shooting well and still has a good all-around game. He’d be a great fit in the rotation for any title contender. But therein lies the rub. Some of the teams that Hayward could fit best on would be restricted from signing him, because he makes more than then Non-Taxpayer MLE. It’s also important to note that Hayward would lose his Bird Rights if he takes a buyout. Hayward might be able to land a contract from a team that starting in the $15-$18 million range via a sign-and-trade this summer. That means retaining his Bird Rights might be more valuable than catching on with a second-tier contender after a buyout.

UPDATE: Traded to the Thunder, unlikely to work a buyout

Jock Landale (Houston Rockets, C, 28 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $8 million per season through 2026-27 all non-guaranteed

Landale can be a productive player, but he hasn’t been a fit in Houston. Jeff Green has taken on the primary backup center role in the minimal minutes behind Alperen Sengun. That makes Landale available. If the Rockets don’t put Landale into a trade, he could get a jump on finding his next team by taking a buyout. Houston could also guarantee his deal for next season, and continue to look at him as tradable salary too. Call this one 50-50 at best.

Kyle Lowry (Charlotte Hornets, PG, 37 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $29.7 million in 2023-24

Lowry is the classic buyout guy on this list. So much so that the Hornets have all but acknowledged that’s what will happen, assuming they can’t re-trade the veteran point guard before Thursday’s deadline. Lowry makes too much to join any of the apron teams, but none of them have a really glaring need for a point guard anyway. Look for Lowry to get set free and to join one of the second-tier contenders that can use a veteran backup lead guard.

Doug McDermott (San Antonio Spurs, SF/PF, 32 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $13.7 million in 2023-24

This one is kind of tough. McDermott plays regular minutes for the Spurs. He’s not really blocking any younger players. He’s also still really productive as a shooter (44.1% on 3.8 3PA per game). San Antonio is exploring the trade market for McDermott, but hasn’t found a deal just yet. If they can’t, the Spurs may do the veteran a solid by cutting him free. However, McDermott makes just above the Non-Taxpayer MLE amount, which limits his potential post-buyout teams. That could complicate things a bit.

UPDATE: Traded to the Pacers, unlikely to work a buyout

Patty Mills (Atlanta Hawks, PG, 35 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $6.8 million in 2023-24

Mills hasn’t played much for the Hawks. When he has, Mills has done ok. He’s not going to light anyone up, but Mills could be a nice third guard and someone you throw in a game when you need a scoring spark. His current deal is small enough that Mills could join any team in the league if he takes a buyout.

Monte Morris (Detroit Pistons, PG, 27 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $9.8 million in 2023-24

Morris is both too good and younger-than-usual to be on this list, but his circumstances find him here. He recently returned from a quad injury to start playing for the Pistons. It’s taking him a bit to find his rhythm, but Morris is one of the best available backup point guards on the trade market. If Detroit can’t find a deal they like, they could work a buyout to let Morris join a playoff team. He’s got a small enough salary that joining anyone is on the table. Look for the Pistons to try to find a trade first, however. And we’ve seen Detroit keep vets in curious situations before too.

UPDATE: Morris will not work a buyout after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves

Mike Muscala (Detroit Pistons, C, 32 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $3.5 million in 2023-24

Muscala has stepped in as the backup to Jalen Duren since Detroit acquired him in mid-January. The Pistons seem to like that he brings a stretch element to the floor, which their other centers don’t. That makes it far from a guarantee that Muscala gets a buyout. But if there are signs that a playoff team has a role for Muscala, he could push for a buyout.

Victor Oladipo (Memphis Grizzlies, SG, 31 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $9.5 million in 2023-24

This is the saddest story on this list. Oladipo has fully fallen into the point where he’s more “Victor Oladipo’s expiring contract” than he is a helpful basketball player. Oladipo is continuing his recovery from left patellar tendon surgery last year. There’s no sense that he’s close to playing. If the Grizzlies don’t re-trade Oladipo in a deal this week, they’ll likely waive him (probably without Oladipo giving back any money in a buyout) to open a roster spot.

UPDATE: Waived by the Grizzlies

Kelly Olynyk (Utah Jazz, PF/C, 32 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $12.2 million in 2023-24

Olynyk is highly unlikely to take a buyout, but his name comes up enough that we’re including him here. The reason that he’s not really a buyout candidate is that the Jazz should be able to find a trade for him assuming they want to move Olynyk at all. He’s been extremely productive as a backup frontcourt player for Utah this season. And the Jazz are in the mix for a postseason spot. If Utah doesn’t trade Olynyk for future assets, they’ll probably just keep him and figure out a potential sign-and-trade or re-signing this summer. One last thing to note: Olynyk’s salary is just enough below the Non-Taxpayer MLE amount that he could sign with anyone if he did work a buyout agreement.

UPDATE: Traded to the Raptors, unlikely to work a buyout

Cedi Osman (San Antonio Spurs, SF/SG, 28 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $6.7 million in 2023-24

Osman has had a pretty productive season for the Spurs as a reserve wing. The challenge? San Antonio has several other players who play the same position as Osman. If a trade doesn’t develop for the veteran wing, look for Osman to look for a buyout. His salary is low enough that he can catch on with any team. And several playoff teams will be looking for wing depth for their postseason push.

Philadelphia 76ers (Several veterans on expiring contracts)

It’s a little hard to peg where the Sixers are at. They could put a bunch of their expiring deals together in a trade to add help now. They could keep those players and let their deals expire to have a bunch of cap space this summer. A handful could be buyout candidates, but Philadelphia needs depth and versatility now that Joel Embiid is out for a while. We’re including the 76ers to acknowledge that something could happen here, but it’s far too nebulous to get into individual details.

Otto Porter Jr. (Toronto Raptors, PF/SF, 30 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $6.3 million in 2023-24

Porter was a surprising signing with Toronto in the summer of 2022, and it hasn’t gone well. Porter has rarely been healthy enough to have an impact for the Raptors. Now, he’s on an expiring deal on a team that is resetting their roster. Considering he’s played only 23 games in a season-plus in Toronto, it’s hard to know exactly where Porter is at. But he did play a key role in helping the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals. He’s the kind of guy contenders will take a chance on. He has the added benefit of having a low enough salary that he can sign with anyone, should he take a buyout.

UPDATE: Traded to the Jazz

P.J. Tucker (LA Clippers, PF/C, 38 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $11 million in 2023-24, $11.5 million player option in 2024-25

Tucker hasn’t played much since joining the Clippers in the James Harden trade in early-November. Normally, the second year of money would keep a guy like Tucker off this list. Look for LA to exhaust every possible trade option before Thursday’s deadline. As a second apron team, this is the Clippers last chance to take on additional money in trades, and last chance to aggregate salaries together in a deal. If Tucker isn’t traded before the deadline, it becomes an interesting conversation on what happens next, given the $11.5 million he’s owed for next year. But he’s made it clear he still wants to play, and there are contenders interested. And, just in case you haven’t figured it out by now, Tucker makes just under the Non-Taxpayer MLE amount, so he’s free to sign with any team. Also, there’s a good chance Tucker is a post-trade buyout guy if he’s moved before the deadline to a non-playoff team.

Delon Wright (Washington Wizards, PG, 31 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $8.2 million in 2023-24

Wright missed a lot of time earlier this season due to injuries. But he’s healthy now and he could help a number of teams as a backup guard. He has a very reasonable salary, so the Wizards will explore trade options before even discussing a buyout. But Washington took care of Will Barton in a similar spot last season. They could do the same for Wright this year.

Thaddeus Young (Toronto Raptors, C/PF, 35 years old)

Remaining Salaries: $8 million in 2023-24

The Raptors started the process of resetting their roster when they traded OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. Those trades, and a subsequent minor injury to Jakob Poeltl, have actually opened up rotation minutes for Young. The veteran big man made the most of it with some solid play. If Toronto continues to prioritize long-term players, there’s a chance Young could take a buyout. At that point, he could join any playoff team to add some frontcourt depth.

UPDATE: Traded to the Nets, waived by the Nets

Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, 30 years old)

Dinwiddie was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Toronto Raptors and subsequently waived. The veteran lead guard hasn’t shot it well at all this season, but he’s already got suitors lining up to sign him. If a team needs some bench scoring and a guy who can also be a fill-in starter, Dinwiddie would be a nice pickup.

Killian Hayes (PG, 22 years old)

Hayes was cut loose by the Detroit Pistons when they needed to create roster spots in the deadline moves. He’s younger than the usual late-season addition, but Hayes has struggled in his NBA career. If a team has a good player development staff, and can afford to give Hayes minutes to figure things out, he’s a great “second draft” guy. Sometimes point guards take a while, and Hayes is worth taking a shot on.

Furkan Korkmaz (SG/SF, 26 years old)

The Indiana Pacers will reportedly waive Korkmaz after they acquired him in a three-team deadline deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. Korkmaz’s rep has always been that of a guy who can shoot and provide some scoring punch. He mostly delivered on that when he was a regular rotation guy for the Sixers. The last two years, Korkmaz has barely played. He’s worth taking a flyer on for a team that needs some bench production.

Robin Lopez (C, 35 years old)

We could be at the end of the line for Lopez. He hasn’t held a regular rotation role for the last three seasons. In limited opportunities, Lopez didn’t look very good this season. But if a team really needs a veteran center, Lopez is a great locker room guy to add for some bench depth.

Chimezie Metu (C, 26 years old)

After a few good years with the Sacramento Kings, Metu never quite found his footing with the Phoenix Suns. However, he can score and has a little range. Metu is also a decent rebounder too. He’ll catch on with a team looking to add to their frontcourt depth.

Marcus Morris Sr. (PF, 34 years old)

Morris will reportedly be waived by the San Antonio Spurs after they acquired him in a three-team deadline deal with the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers. Morris was a productive rotation player for years for several teams. This season, he looked good in his opportunities with the Sixers. Morris can still score and he’s shooting 40% from deep this season. He’d make a nice addition for a team that needs some frontcourt scoring off their bench.

The LA Clippers made their big trade early in the season when the acquired James Harden. That led to a quiet deadline, but LA made good use of the last time they’ll be able to “buy” a player using cash for a while.

Here are the particulars:

LA Clippers acquire: Draft Rights For Ismael Kamagate

Denver Nuggets acquire: Cash Considerations

Let’s dive in!

LA Clippers

Incoming salary: None

• None

Outgoing salary: None

• None

Because they are likely to continue to be a second apron team for the foreseeable future, the LA Clippers days of using cash to “buy” a player were limited. LA made good use of that last chance to take a flyer on a big man prospect.

Ismael Kamagate was someone scouts were somewhat high on at the 2022 NBA Draft. When he ultimately landed with the Denver Nuggets, some even dreamed he could undergo a path similar to that of fellow second-round pick Nikola Jokic. Those dreams ended somewhat quickly.

Kamagate is big and athletic, but he’s stalled out a bit as a prospect. The 6-foot-11 Frenchman moved from France to Italy this season, and he hasn’t played quite as well.

In his last two years in France, Kamagate started in 60 of 88 games for Paris Basketball. The young center averaged 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during that period. He showed off good athleticism and nice touch around the rim. Kamagate also flashed some impressive defensive ability too.

This season, Kamagate has largely come off the bench for two different teams in Italy. He played minimal minutes for Milan before being loaned to Tortona for the rest of the season. Kamagate has seen his playing time go up with Tortona, so there’s some hope he’ll get back on track as an NBA prospect.

For the Clippers, being a second apron team means they’ll largely have to build their roster through re-signing their own players (that work is under way with Kawhi Leonard extending, on-going extension talks for Paul George and every intention of re-signing James Harden this summer), the draft and minimum contracts. Adding a prospect like Kamagate gives LA something in reserve for down-the-line frontcourt depth.

Denver Nuggets

Incoming salary: None

• None

Outgoing salary: None

• None

The Nuggets have selected several prospects in the last couple of drafts. Because of that, Denver was comfortable selling Kamagate’s draft rights to the Clippers.

Given Denver’s status as the reigning champs, and being a contender for years to come, they’re more likely to want a veteran backup in place for the minutes behind Nikola Jokic. That, combined with Kamagate’s recent inconsistent play, also likely factored into their willingness to move on from the young center.

Plus, adding a little cash to the ownership group’s pockets helps soften the blow of an impending luxury tax bill. But raising a banner makes that all worth it in Denver.

The Golden State Warriors are facing nearly a half-billion bill this season when it comes to salaries, plus tax penalties. The Indiana Pacers had plenty of room under the tax line to space. In the end, Indiana lent a helping hand to help Golden State save a bunch of money.

Here are the particulars:

Golden State Warriors acquire: 2024 second-round pick

Indiana Pacers acquire: Cory Joseph, 2025 Hornets second-round pick, Cash Considerations

Let’s dive in!

Golden State Warriors

Incoming salary: None

• None

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million

• Cory Joseph (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

This trade was all about saving money for the Warriors. Even though Joseph’s veteran minimum salary was for only for just over $2 million, Golden State saved over $13 million because of how deep they are into the luxury tax, as a tax repeater. Even if you offset what they paid Indiana to cover Joseph’s deal, that’s worth it.

And, for what it’s worth, the Warriors got a 2024 second-round draft pick in this deal, albeit a likely late one. Considering they’ll need to fill out their roster through the draft and minimum signings, assuming they stay a second apron team next year, that’s not nothing.

Indiana Pacers

Incoming salary: $2.0 million

• Cory Joseph (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

Outgoing salary: None

• None

Indiana got cash to cover eating Joseph’s contract. And they swapped a not-great 2024 second-round pick for what should be a pretty good 2025 second-round pick. Sometimes it pays to be a helpful partner in a trade.

The Pacers waived Cory Joseph after completing this trade.

The Boston Celtics wanted to preserve an open roster spot and to save some money. The Portland Trail Blazers needed to fill out their roster. The two got together a small, but mutually beneficial trade.

Here are the particulars:

Boston Celtics acquire: future top-55 protected second-round pick

Philadelphia 76ers acquire: Dalano Banton, Cash Considerations

Let’s dive in!

Boston Celtics

Incoming salary: None

• None

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million

• Dalano Banton (PG, two years, $4.2 million, team option in 2024-25, non-guaranteed if option is picked up)

This trade was all about saving money and creating a roster spot for the Celtics. The pick they’re getting from Portland isn’t likely to convey.

Portland Trail Blazers

Incoming salary: $2.0 million

• Dalano Banton (PG, two years, $4.2 million, team option in 2024-25, non-guaranteed if option is picked up)

Outgoing salary: None

• None

Portland had to fill a roster spot and did so with Banton. He’ll help a backcourt/wing group that has been hit with a lot of injuries. Banton has great size for his position and has played well in moments. He’s worth the Blazers taking a flyer on, since they were paid to do so.

The Boston Celtics were determined to add a wing at the trade deadline. They hooked up with the Philadelphia 76ers in a somewhat rare trade between the division rivals. Boston added some depth, while Philadelphia cleared even more 2024 cap space.

Here are the particulars:

Boston Celtics acquire: Jaden Springer

Philadelphia 76ers acquire: 2024 second-round pick

Let’s dive in!

Boston Celtics

Incoming salary: $2.2 million

• Jaden Springer (SG, two years, $6.2 million, restricted free agent in 2025)

Outgoing salary: None

• None

Pre-trade deadline, Brad Stevens said the Celtics were looking to add a wing. They did so by picking up Springer. While he’s unlikely to play a big role this season on an already-deep Boston team, Springer is a nice prospect moving forward.

Springer is a terrific athlete and a good defender. He’s shown some ability to create his own shot. The challenge is that shot doesn’t go in very often. If it did, Philadelphia probably wouldn’t have traded Springer.

If Springer can get his shot working, the Celtics will have another guard with some size. That was something they’ve been lacking. As it stands, Springer will inject some athleticism when he’s called upon to play.

One other added benefit for the Celtics is they added a little future tradable salary into next season. Boston didn’t have much tradable salary on the books, as anything significant belongs to key rotation players. This was also Boston’s last real chance to use their $6.2 million traded player exception. They made the most it by adding Springer for this season and next.

Philadelphia 76ers

Incoming salary: None

• None

Outgoing salary: $2.2 million

• Jaden Springer (SG, two years, $6.2 million, restricted free agent in 2025)

Philadelphia continues to maximize their cap space for the 2024 offseason. They got off an additional $4 million in salary by moving Springer in this deal. And they got a second-round pick in doing so. If that wasn’t enough, this trade helped the Sixers get out of the luxury tax for this season. That’s really good work.

This coming summer, Philadelphia projects to have somewhere between $42 and $63 million in cap space. If they clear the deck, the 76ers will be building around Joel Embiid and an eventually maxed-out Tyrese Maxey. That’s a lot to do, but Daryl Morey has his team set up to make a major splash this summer.

One the stranger trades on deadline day came between two Eastern Conference contenders. The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers swapped backup point guards, in a rare trade between two teams that competing to win the conference.

Here are the particulars:

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Draft Rights to Dimitrios Agravanis

Sacramento Kings acquire: Robin Lopez, Cash Considerations

Let’s dive in!

Milwaukee Bucks

Incoming salary: None

• None

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

• Robin Lopez (C, one year, $2.0 million)

The Bucks saved a fairly large chunk of change in this deal. Because they are deep into the luxury tax, Milwaukee ended up saving $8.6 million in this deal in terms of salary plus tax penalties.

Lopez wasn’t playing much, and he looks as if he’s coming to the end of the line in his career. The Bucks opened up a roster spot in this trade, which could go to a more helpful player for the rest of this season.

Agravanis is unlikely to ever come over to the NBA. He’s a 29-year-old, 6-foot-10 power forward from Greece. Agravanis is currently playing for AEK Athens. This season, he’s appeared in only seven games. The days of Agravanis being an NBA prospect are probably behind him.

Sacramento Kings

Incoming salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

• Robin Lopez (C, one year, $2.0 million)

Outgoing salary: None

• None

The Kings got some cash to eat Lopez’s contract to help the Bucks save on their tax bill and to open a roster spot.

Sacramento waived Lopez following the trade.

In a more fun note: The Kings used the open roster spot to sign Keon Ellis to a three-year deal from his two-way contract. Ellis has played well in spots for Sacramento and was deserving of a standard deal. The Kings will have him signed long-term on a team-friendly contract. Don’t be surprised if Ellis ends up in the rotation for Sacramento for the rest of the year.

The Kings signed Mason Jones to a two-way contract to backfill the spot Ellis vacated. Jones has been one of the G League’s top snipers this season, as he’s made 48% of his 5.1 three-pointer attempts per game.

One the stranger trades on deadline day came between two Eastern Conference contenders. The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers swapped backup point guards, in a rare trade between two teams that competing to win the conference.

Here are the particulars:

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Patrick Beverley

Philadelphia 76ers acquire: Cameron Payne, 2027 Bucks second-round pick

Let’s dive in!

Milwaukee Bucks

Incoming salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

• Patrick Beverley (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

• Cameron Payne (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

The Bucks defense has been underwhelming all season. They are particular bad with their point-of-attack defense. Enter Beverley.

At this point in his career, Beverley isn’t making any more All-Defensive teams, but he’s still a good on-ball defender. And Beverley is already the best defensive guard Milwaukee has. That’s probably worth swapping out the former backup point guard and a future second-round pick for.

Beverley will also infuse some energy into a team that has lacked it this season. Despite all the excitement over adding Damian Lillard, Milwaukee underachieving has left things feeling flat. Beverley will help to change that.

Philadelphia 76ers

Incoming salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

• Cameron Payne (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

Outgoing salary: $2.0 million in 2023-24

• Patrick Beverley (PG, one year, $2.0 million)

The Sixers seem more likely to lean into offense for the next stretch of game while Joel Embiid is out. Philadelphia is probably going to push pace more. That makes Payne a better fit for the team than Beverley.

However, this trade was mostly about getting that future second-round pick. Daryl Morey gave up three picks to get Buddy Hield in an earlier deal. This recoups one pick. And, of course, the 76ers didn’t add any long-term money in the deal.

The Phoenix Suns didn’t have a lot to work with at the trade deadline. Phoenix had second-round picks to offer, along with cobbling together players on minimum contracts. That made the Suns getting Royce O’Neale and David Roddy one of the more creative deals of the weekend. Phoenix worked a three-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies to upgrade their depth.

Here are the particulars:

Phoenix Suns acquire: Royce O’Neale, David Roddy

Brooklyn Nets acquire: Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan Goodwin, three future second-round picks

Memphis Grizzlies acquire: Chimezie Metu, Yuta Watanabe

Let’s dive in!

Phoenix Suns

Incoming salary: $12.2 million in 2023-24

• Royce O’Neale (SF, one year, $9.5 million), David Roddy (SF, three years, $10.4 million, rookie scale team option in 2025-26, restricted free agent in 2026)

Outgoing salary: $10.0 million in 2023-24

• Keita Bates-Diop (SF, two years, $4.6 million, player option in 2024-25), Jordan Goodwin (PG, one year, $1.9 million), Chimezie Metu (C, one year, $2.0 million), Yuta Watanabe (SF, two years, $4.6 million, player option in 2024-25)

This past offseason, the Suns tried to piece together a bench made up mostly players on minimum contracts. Phoenix had a couple of hits with Eric Gordon and Drew Eubanks, but no one else grabbed a regular rotation role. The Suns were also lacking in wing defenders. That made finding some additional depth a challenging, but important task at the deadline.

This trade solves those issues. O’Neale is an immediate defensive upgrade for Phoenix. He’s become a pretty solid 3&D player over his time with the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets. The Suns will be hoping that O’Neale can give them what they had hoped to get from Bates-Diop and Watanabe.

Roddy is a nice flyer for Phoenix. He’s an undersized power player, who needs to shoot it better to find a real spot in the NBA. If he can start making jumpers consistently, Roddy could be a rotation player.

On defense, Roddy can maybe help Phoenix in some small-ball lineups. He’s very strong, so Roddy can hold up against bigger players. He’s also an excellent rebounder for his size.

For now, O’Neale is the focus, but long-term, it could be Roddy that makes this trade a winner for the Suns.

Brooklyn Nets

Incoming salary: $4.3 million in 2023-24

• Keita Bates-Diop (SF, two years, $4.6 million, player option in 2024-25), Jordan Goodwin (PG, one year, $1.9 million)

Outgoing salary: $9.5 million in 2023-24

• Royce O’Neale (SF, one year, $9.5 million)

O’Neale no longer had a real place on Nets team that is transitioning to a new phase. Getting three future second-round picks for a player that was no longer in the plans is really good for Brooklyn. That’s the real point of this trade.

Bates-Diop will get a look from the Nets. They can use another wing behind Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. If Bates-Diop can rediscover the shooting form he had with the San Antonio Spurs last season, he’s a steal for Brooklyn the rest of this year and next. If not, he’s probably a trade candidate this summer, assuming he picks up his player option.

The Nets waived Jordan Goodwin following the trade.

Memphis Grizzlies

Incoming salary: $4.4 million in 2023-24

• Chimezie Metu (C, one year, $2.0 million), Yuta Watanabe (SF, two years, $4.6 million, player option in 2024-25)

Outgoing salary: $13.7 million in 2023-24

• David Roddy (SF, three years, $10.4 million, rookie scale team option in 2025-26, restricted free agent in 2026)

Memphis made a second move this trade season to clear out some long-term salary. After trading Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets, the Grizzlies lopped some more long-term money off their books by trade Roddy.

It’s somewhat of an admission that the selection of Roddy in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft was a mistake. But Memphis can’t afford to be too precious with former draft picks. The roster is mostly full with multi-year players, and the Grizzlies still have picks coming their way. That means making some tough decisions.

This deal helped to open up a roster spot for Memphis to convert G.G. Jackson to a standard contract. Jackson has been a bright spot in a down season for the Grizzlies. Getting him on a long-term deal was a necessity. Between Jackson and Vince Williams Jr., the Grizzlies have done a nice job making lemonade out of a lemon of a season.

Memphis also made a smart upside play by signing Trey Jemison to a two-way contract to backfill Jackson’s spot. Jemison shined in the G League this year and has shown some potential on a pair of 10-day deals in the NBA. He’s a good developmental player to have in the system.

Yuta Watanabe was a fan favorite when he played for Memphis early in his career. For whatever reason, things didn’t work out for Watanabe in Phoenix. He’d been solid previously in other stops. Watanabe will make hustle plays, but it’s really about him getting back to being a good shooter. If he can do that, the Grizzlies might have a rotation guy on a cheap contract.

Memphis waived Chimezie Metu following the trade.

The Oklahoma City Thunder may be a year ahead of schedule, but that doesn’t change that they are already one of the best teams in the NBA this season. That status saw the Thunder make a move towards improving their postseason rotation by adding Gordon Hayward.

For the Charlotte Hornets, this trade is another sign that they are turning towards a new era. The Hornets have moved on from Hayward and Terry Rozier during trade season. They’re building with new players around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges. Some of those new players came in this deal with the Thunder.

Here are the particulars:

Oklahoma City Thunder acquire: Gordon Hayward

Charlotte Hornets acquire: Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, two future second-round picks

Note: Charlotte also waived Frank Ntilikina and Ish Smith to complete this trade.

Let’s dive in!

Oklahoma City Thunder

Incoming salary: $33.3 million in 2023-24

• Gordon Hayward (SF/SG, one year, $33.3 million)

Outgoing salary: $27.9 million in 2023-24

• Davis Bertans (PF, two years, $33 million, $5.25 million guaranteed in 2024-25), Tre Mann (PG, two years, $8.1 million, restricted free agent in 2025), Vasilije Micic (PG, three years, $23.5 million, team option for 2025-26)

The Thunder didn’t literally go big in terms of size at the trade deadline, but they did in terms of impact. We’ll put the mandatory caveat right here up front: Gordon Hayward has to stay healthy. But if he does, this is a great pickup for Oklahoma City.

When he’s played during his Charlotte tenure, Hayward has been really good. This season he’s averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Hayward also has 47/36/77 shooting splits on the season. That’s great stuff for a high-end role player.

Unfortunately, Hayward has only played in 25 games this season. That includes missing the Hornets last 22 games with a strained calf.

But let’s be positive and hopeful. Maybe on a better team, with less pressure on him to create offense and fewer minutes, Hayward can hold up physically. If he can, he’s an outstanding fit for the Thunder.

When teams have had success guarding Oklahoma City this season, it’s often come via disregarding Josh Giddey on the perimeter. Multiple teams have guarded Giddey with their center floating off him to help against drives. The prevailing theory is that if you lose because Giddey hit four or five three-pointers, you tip your cap and move on.

Now, if that strategy is working for opponents, the Thunder can pull Giddey and replace him with Hayward. That’s a completely different math for opponents. You can’t leave Hayward open. And he provides all the same ballhandling and playmaking as Giddey, and Hayward is nearly as good of a defender too.

Yes, this could fail to work if Hayward can’t get and stay healthy. But it’s a worthy gamble for Oklahoma City to consolidate some pieces. The upside is there, and the Thunder are starting to run out of roster spots to keep everyone anyway.

As far as the future goes, Oklahoma City got out of some money for next year that is owed to the trio of Bertans, Mann and Micic. They’ve got even better flexibility now. The Thunder could go under the cap and create about $30 million in cap space. Of they could stay over the cap, re-sign Hayward and work with the MLE.

A lot of the offseason approach will probably depend on what happens with Hayward and the rest of this season. If he works and the team has a nice postseason, the Thunder will probably invest at least some of that flexibility in re-signing Hayward. If not, they can move on and have a bunch of cap space with only minor roster holes to fill. That’s a pretty great place to be in, both now and moving forward.

Charlotte Hornets

Incoming salary: $27.9 million in 2023-24

• Davis Bertans (PF, two years, $33 million, $5.25 million guaranteed in 2024-25), Tre Mann (PG, two years, $8.1 million, restricted free agent in 2025), Vasilije Micic (PG, three years, $23.5 million, team option for 2025-26)

Outgoing salary: $33.3 million in 2023-24

• Gordon Hayward (SF/SG, one year, $33.3 million)

The Hornets have reset things in a major way throughout the course of trade season. They moved off of long-term money for Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington in previous deals. And they cleared minutes and an offseason roster question by trading Hayward in this deal.

For the players coming in, Mann and Micic should both a chance to play. Charlotte has been piecing things together at point guard while LaMelo Ball has missed time. With Mann and Micic, they get two very different, but capable point guards. Mann is more of a get-it-and-go type, while Micic is an old school, probing playmaker. Both should have more opportunities to play with the Hornets, especially while Ball remains out.

Bertans is in a weird spot. He could theoretically provide the Hornets with some perimeter shooting, but he’ll be behind a few other guys for minutes in the frontcourt. This one could end up in a waiver, or maybe Charlotte carries Bertans into the offseason for trade purposes.

Mostly, this deal was about adding some additional draft capital for the Hornets, and taking flyers on the point guards. They’ve rebuilt their draft coffers during trade season by a good amount. And they have some cap flexibility this summer too. Pending what happens with Bridges, the Hornets could have nearly $26 million to spend.

Here’s the key: Charlotte can’t get impatient and overpay veterans just for a minor lift. They’re better off building around their younger players and signing free agents to value deal. Spending it all in one place has rarely worked for this franchise in the past. Let’s see if they’ve learned from that mistake.

The NFL handed out 2023 honors Thursday night, focusing a spotlight on Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, & a few young Texans. Our look at how each major award winner stands going forward, financially speaking.

LEAGUE MVP

Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens)

Remaining Contract: 4 years, $180M, $128M practically guaranteed

Lamar rolls into 2024 on a tenable $32.4M cap figure, set to earn $32.5M cash for the upcoming season. If the Ravens (who currently project to around -$1M of cap space) feel the need, they can convert Jackson’s $14.25M base salary into signing bonus, freeing up another $10.5M for March. Otherwise, this contract is locked and loaded for 3 more seasons.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers)

Remaining Contract: 2 years, $24.2M, $0M practically guaranteed

McCaffrey will enter his age-28 season on a $14.14M cap hit, 4th most among active RBs for 2024. There’s a very real world where San Francisco offers to rip up the final two years and start fresh with a CMC contract, but for simplified purposes, a base salary conversion can free up $8.4M of cap space for March. The Niners basically stand at cap-zero right now.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Myles Garrett (DE, Browns)

Remaining Contract: 3 years, $65M, $20M practically guaranteed

Garrett enters Year 5 of a 7 year contract in Cleveland, set to earn just north of $20M cash for 2024 against a $20.1M cap hit. All $20M becomes fully guaranteed on March 15th. Expect the Browns to keep this contract as is for the upcoming season, with a multi-year restructured extension almost certain to come in March of 2025.

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans)

Remaining Contract: 3 years, $12.1M + 2027 option, $12.1M fully guaranteed

Stroud quieted plenty of doubters early, and maintained an historic level of success for a Year 1 QB, leading Houston to a division title & Wild Card win in his first NFL season. His contract can’t be touched until after the 2025 campaign, so the Texans have a few years to bolster a roster around him. They head toward March with $65M of projected cap space, & two 1st round picks in the upcoming draft.

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Will Anderson (DE, Texans)

Remaining Contract: 3 years, $11.8M + 2027 option, $11.8M fully guaranteed

Houston is just showing off at this point. The Texans already have three absolute home runs from their 2023 draft in Stroud (#2), Anderson (#3), & Tank Dell (#69). The DROY amassed 7 sacks and 45 tackles in just under 60% of Houston’s defensive snaps this season. Look for the Texans’ to bookend him with another stud this spring.

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Joe Flacco (QB, Browns)

Pending Free Agent

Flacco was signed off of the couch on November 20th, starting 5 regular season games plus the Wild Card matchup in Houston. He posted a decade-best 90.24 rating, while averaging a career-best 323 passing yards per game. Cleveland paid him $1.1M for his efforts, including $400,000 of bonus stemming from his regular season victories. A reunion on a healthy backup contract makes an awful lot of sense here.

WALTER PAYTON AWARD

Cameron Heyward (DL, Saints)

Remaining Contract: 1 year, $16M, $0 practically guaranteed

There are early rumors of retirement stirring in Pittsburgh, as the 35-year-old battled through his lowest production season in over a decade. Heyward holds a $22.4M cap figure for 2024, and the Steelers currently project to carry around -$15M of cap space heading toward March.