Jan 1, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) and forward Xavier Tillman (2) defend during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA Trade Deadline set up many useful veterans as potential buyout candidates. Who are the best players who could hit the market?
With one of the most eventful trade deadlines of all time out of the way, a lot of players will be playing for new teams. While the likes of Kevin Durant, Mikal Bridges, and D’Angelo Russell will play for the teams that traded for them, there’ll be other players seeking buyouts and then joining teams of their choice. Here’s a look at the 3 best post-trade deadline buyout candidates.
Who are the best NBA buyout candidates who could be available?
3. Richaun Holmes
After earning himself a four-year $46 million contract in the 2021 offseason, Richaun Holmes has seen his role drastically reduced, especially after the Kings traded for All-Star big-man Domantas Sabonis. In a span of fewer than two seasons, Holmes has gone from being a starting center to averaging less than 10 minutes per game this season.
Holmes has not appeared on the floor in five of the Kings’ last six games. With a rotation spot far from assured and the trade deadline just passed, Holmes could be bought out and there should be suitors if that is the case.
Holmes profiles as a traditional big who is sound and effective at the basic fundamentals of being an NBA center. In his two seasons prior to 2022-23, Holmes scored 16.8 points per 75 possessions on an impressive 67.6 true shooting percentage, about 10 percentage points above the league average. Along with his efficient scoring around the rim, Holmes is also effective as an interior defender and rebounder.
If he’s bought out, Holmes will be the premier big man of the buyout market.