Teams have started to shift their focus out of a frenzied trade deadline market, instead focusing on the buyout market soon to ensue, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The deadline for contract buyouts is March 1.
Just as teams are looking to aggressively sell some of their star and role players before the 3 p.m. deadline hits later today, others are licking their chops considering the ones that won't get moved and how teams will look to repair those relationships.
Some will keep them in-house and move forward, but most will look for some way to agree on a contract buyout, and other teams will be waiting to dart their best pitch and offer to reel them in.
According to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks, there is a high chance that today sees fewer trades and more buyout candidates by the time 3 o'clock hits — making this the likelihood of front offices changing their scope with only hours left.
The Boston Celtics are one of the biggest winners of this trade deadline thus far and they have done so without making a trade, snatching forward Greg Monroe and signing him to a one-year, $5 million deal after he was bought out of his contract by the Phoenix Suns.
Teams at this point are not looking to win the battle, but become the last men standing at the end of a war. Gaining an asset via the buyout market is far less risky than trading away future assets in hopes to garner one, and franchises have shifted the scope to capitalize on this opportunity.
Follow Us
Subscribe