This offseason has seen an unprecedented number of NBA buyouts, involving notable players such as Bradley Beal, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart. These individuals are not merely veterans past their prime seeking a championship; instead, they are starting-caliber athletes, still capable of earning salaries well above the league minimum, who are increasingly departing struggling franchises early to enter free agency.
The underlying reasons for this trend are complex and multifaceted, with each situation being distinct. Bradley Beal`s case was particularly unique: his presence would have kept Phoenix as a second-apron team, but his departure allowed the Suns to completely avoid the luxury tax. This shift is partly a reaction to the highly restrictive collective bargaining agreement (CBA) introduced a few years prior. Franchises are now so eager to cut costs that they are contemplating actions previously considered unimaginable. Similarly, Damian Lillard`s full-salary waiver-and-stretch, while not a buyout, occurred for comparable reasons, as the new CBA pushed the Bucks into a strategic corner, leading to an unexpected decision.
A similar, though perhaps less deliberate, scenario unfolded in Portland. While the Blazers eventually signed Lillard post-waiver, Deandre Ayton facilitated this by forfeiting $10 million to depart the team. This move enabled Portland to utilize its full non-taxpayer mid-level exception without incurring luxury tax penalties. Simultaneously, it allowed Ayton, already slated for 2026 free agency, to enhance his prospects for a substantial contract next summer by joining a Lakers team where he was expected to thrive. This arrangement proved mutually advantageous: the Blazers secured significant financial savings for strategic reallocation, and Ayton, despite the initial financial concession, stood to gain considerably more in the long term with a strong performance for the Lakers.
Marcus Smart also made a comparable strategic decision, relinquishing $6.8 million to leave the Wizards, receiving $5.1 million to join the Lakers (plus a player option for the 2026-27 season). His gamble was that a season with the Lakers would significantly elevate his long-term market value, a benefit unlikely to materialize with the Wizards, who were not aiming for contention this season. Consequently, his departure did not adversely impact Washington. Historically, the Wizards might have retained Smart, hoping to trade him for assets by the deadline. However, given the current lack of financial maneuverability across the league for such transactions, Washington concluded that the immediate savings outweighed any potential future trade value, prompting an early separation.
These recent events provide a framework for forecasting potential future buyouts. With limited cap space projected for the 2025 offseason, our focus shifts to players who might become available during the ongoing season. Ideal candidates are typically on expiring contracts, as only financially distressed teams like the Suns and Bucks are inclined to absorb multiple years of dead cap space. Furthermore, these players should, ideally, be on struggling teams, given that successful franchises seldom release valuable assets. If a player is not currently on a struggling team, they should be considered plausible trade targets for such teams, which often initiate buyouts post-acquisition. Additionally, these players should lack clear trade markets at their current salary, as trading is generally favored over buyouts. Crucially, the player must perceive a tangible benefit from entering free agency, as they will not forfeit salary without a compelling incentive.
Considering these criteria, who are the prime candidates for upcoming buyouts? Five names emerge:
1. Khris Middleton (Washington Wizards)
Washington has demonstrated a willingness to execute buyouts for its veterans, as evidenced by the recent agreement with Marcus Smart. However, an offseason buyout for Khris Middleton is unlikely for several reasons. Primarily, Smart secured a clear landing spot with a lucrative enough offer to justify relinquishing a portion of his salary, a scenario less probable for Middleton. Smart`s reputation as an elite defender made him an appealing acquisition, particularly for a team like the Lakers. Middleton`s extensive injury history, conversely, likely prevents a similar outcome. While he would undoubtedly attract considerable interest on the open market, it would most likely be at the veteran minimum.
Such a scenario for Middleton is plausible, but it wouldn`t be strategically sound until February. Washington would likely prioritize leveraging Middleton`s substantial $33.3 million expiring contract. The most apparent approach would be to trade him for an undesirable, long-term contract, ideally packaged with draft picks – a common occurrence around the trade deadline. With over $80 million in projected cap space for 2026, the Wizards possess the financial flexibility to absorb a longer-term deal if appropriately compensated.
Regardless of a potential trade, Khris Middleton`s fit with Washington at this point in his career is questionable. Approaching his 34th birthday, his performance in Washington has been underwhelming, and his defensive capabilities have noticeably diminished. As a strong career winds down, he would likely prefer to contribute to a contending team or even return to Milwaukee. While his veteran presence might currently benefit Washington, come February, when the focus shifts to developing younger talent, Middleton appears to be a clear candidate for a market release.
2. C.J. McCollum (Washington Wizards)
Much of the analysis for Middleton holds true for C.J. McCollum. The key distinction, however, is that McCollum unequivocally remains a valuable player, having recently averaged over 21 points with efficient shooting for New Orleans. In contrast, Middleton, burdened by injuries, would represent a speculative acquisition for a competitive team. McCollum, on the other hand, is a relatively safe bet to make a tangible contribution to a contender.
A complicating factor is McCollum`s significant value as a locker room leader. The young Wizards roster, with numerous drafted guards under development, could benefit from his mentorship. As the respected president of the player`s union, McCollum commands universal respect. Consequently, the Wizards might prefer to retain him for his intangible contributions. Therefore, a buyout would be improbable until at least the trade deadline, after which McCollum would merit the opportunity to prove himself on a playoff-bound team before entering free agency next offseason.
3. Nikola Vučević (Chicago Bulls)
It`s important to clarify that recent speculation regarding a Nikola Vučević buyout has been notably premature. As reported by Marc Stein, no such move is imminent, nor is there any certainty of a buyout occurring. The Bulls have not recently demonstrated a propensity for buying out desirable expiring veteran contracts; for instance, Andre Drummond, an obvious candidate in 2024, was not bought out. Chicago`s strategic approach often diverges from that of other NBA franchises, typically content to retain older players, contend for a play-in tournament spot, and avoid allocating significant minutes to younger reserves.
Nevertheless, it`s undeniable that Vučević has seemingly been a trade candidate since Chicago signed him to what many considered an unusual three-year contract, despite minimal apparent interest. Entering his age-35 season, and while his defensive impact at a playoff level is limited, he continues to produce respectable statistics. Consequently, competitive teams would likely show interest, even for a reserve role.
The primary question, however, is whether Vučević himself would even desire such a move. Chicago currently lacks other viable options at center. If he continues to post solid numbers for a Bulls team that consistently aims for little more than mediocrity, he might secure another lucrative short-term deal as Chicago drifts towards another mid-30s win season. Is this path more appealing to him than competing for a championship? This choice is highly individual. A buyout would result in the forfeiture of his Bird Rights with Chicago, significantly complicating his ability to secure a comparable salary elsewhere. Yet, should another trade deadline pass without a deal and he expresses a desire to join a contender, a buyout remains a possibility. However, disregard the surge of unfounded social media rumors suggesting its imminent occurrence. And, realistically, who would Chicago even start at center if Vučević departed—Zach Collins?
4. Kevin Huerter (Chicago Bulls)
Kevin Huerter, however, presents a more logical candidate for a buyout within the Bulls` roster. Chicago possesses an abundance of guards, a depth that proves advantageous early in the season due to inevitable injuries and Coach Billy Donovan`s frequent use of three-guard lineups. Given the Bulls` fast-paced, three-point heavy offensive scheme, Huerter clearly fits their system.
Nevertheless, his long-term presence in Chicago appears improbable. Despite ongoing contract negotiations, the Bulls will eventually need to sign Josh Giddey this offseason, and Coby White, along with Ayo Dosunmu, will enter free agency next offseason. Once these higher-priority guards secure their contracts, Huerter`s $18 million salary will likely become an unaffordable luxury for Chicago. At this price point, he is not a viable trade asset unless included as a salary filler in a larger transaction, as contending teams lack the financial flexibility to acquire him outright, especially given his inconsistent performance over recent years.
Despite recent fluctuations, Huerter was once recognized as one of the NBA`s premier shooters and has playoff experience. Should he join a suitable playoff contender, he could significantly enhance his market value heading into 2026 free agency, especially at just 27 years old with considerable career upside remaining. He embodies the type of player who stands to gain immensely by sacrificing a modest amount of salary to secure an optimal team environment.
5. Terry Rozier (Miami Heat)
Miami`s primary objective would undoubtedly be to trade Terry Rozier. His $26.6 million expiring contract represents a valuable asset for orchestrating the type of major trade the Heat consistently pursue. He would have been a key component in any potential Kevin Durant acquisition, had Miami managed to complete such a deal. Following a dismal season and with his rotation spot for the next year uncertain, the Heat ideally aim to leverage his salary as a trade chip.
However, if a trade doesn`t materialize, Rozier could offer Miami a route to escape the luxury tax. Currently, the Heat are approximately $1.6 million over the tax threshold (a figure potentially rising if Tyler Herro achieves his incentives). As a last resort, a buyout of Rozier might be considered. Given his productive tenure in Charlotte, he might be inclined to sacrifice some salary to join a new team and re-establish his market value before free agency. For Miami, avoiding the luxury tax, by any means, is crucial. This franchise famously waived Mike Miller during the peak of the LeBron James era solely to save money, underscoring their reluctance to incur unnecessary spending. The current roster is arguably not deserving of tax payments. Should a significant roster upgrade via trade not occur, Miami will likely seek alternative methods to dip below the tax line during the season, with a Rozier buyout being a viable option.
