The NBA trade deadline is over and that means it's buyout time and there are a number of players that could potentially move, as names like Pau Gasol, Jimmer Fredette, Chris Kaman, Danny Granger, Ben Gordon and Caron Butler are in the mix and teams like the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, NY Knicks and Indiana Pacers could be looking to sign some of them.
Things have already started moving on some fronts, as the Knicks have come to terms with Earl Clark and they are also looking at Shannon Brown, while the Miami Heat could add someone like Kaman or Danny Granger if they get bought out of their deals. Granger is one of the most interesting options, as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers from the Indiana Pacers and could be a nice addition for a number of teams heading towards the playoffs.
Granger's deal could be held up though, as it makes more sense for him and the Sixers heading towards the offseason to keep him, as they can use him in a sign and trade and he also keeps his Bird rights. Granger was "pissed" after the trade and now the Sixers and the former Pacers star could be moving towards a buyout, but sources told ESPN.com that right now things are stalled.
ESPN.com is reporting that the San Antonio Spurs are the top target for Granger, while the Miami Heat and Thunder could also be in the mix if he gets onto the market. Granger is looking to get out of there, but sources said that he is considering staying for the rest of the season and if he makes it out as a free agent, the Clippers also could be interested. Granger has to look at things long term, as he is heading into free agency next season and being a free agent would be helped along by his rights from this deal.
Granger will be a primary target, as will Kaman if he gets bought out, while Gasol likely won't be going anywhere yet. Gasol can leave as a free agent this offseason and likely will do that, as he has been mentioned in trade rumors for years and finally could be sick of it. Fredette is going to be coveted as well, as he is shooting nearly 50 percent from three point range and he is working on a buyout with the Kings after three seasons in the league. The kings never found a role for Fredette and he is averaging less than 10 points in just 11 minutes this season and now he could join someone like the Spurs, Heat, Knicks or Thunder.
Caron Butler is on his way out as well, as ESPN.com reports that the Bucks are buying out his contract, which pays him Houston Rockets, Miami Heat. Butler could be an option for the Heat after he previously played there and he will be coveted by other teams as well, including the Clippers and Knicks.
