Traditionally, NBA teams shore up their weaknesses or add firepower during the buyout season. While the current NBA buyout market seems to be a bit thinner than the previous years, there are still marquee players who could potentially help a contending team. That being said, here are the top 4 players who would draw a lot of interest in the NBA's buyout market.
Carmelo Anthony - Forward (Unattached/Waived by Chicago Bulls)
Carmelo Anthony still remains as an intriguing prospect for any team that needs more scoring punch. While Anthony is clearly in the twilight of his career, the system being run by the Rockets and the Thunder arguably doesn't fit his skill set.
Melo is a player who needs the ball in his hands. He is one of the best one-on-one players the league has ever seen. And while he may have lost a step or two, he's still incredibly dangerous in the clutch.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, reports that the Los Angeles Lakers is expected to consider acquiring the services of the future Hall of Famer. And now, people are wondering how the troika of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Anthony Davis could have been enough for the Lakers to shake up the Western Conference.
The Lakers plan to evaluate the full buyout market once it takes shape, but Carmelo Anthony is expected to be among the considerations too, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
Robin Lopez - Center (Chicago Bulls)
Robin Lopez is a rare breed. He is one of the last true centers playing and thriving in the NBA. While Chicago has maintained that the team isn't interested in buying out Lopez' contract, the 30-year-old slotman out of Standford University has been linked to a number of teams including the Golden State Warriors.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that Lopez would prefer to play for a playoff team and has allegedly set his sights on the Warriors. Sources close to the situation, as per Haynes, hint that there's mutual interest between the Dubs and Lopez.
Markief Morris - Forward (Unattached/Waived by New Orleans Pelicans)
Markieff Morris, when healthy, is one of the more efficient forwards in the NBA. Morris is a versatile frontcourt player who could play the 4 or 5 depending on the team's system. Morris is a two-way player who could score, defend, and rebound.
The Ringer reports that teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and the Toronto Raptors could benefit the most by acquiring Markieff Morris. However, while the Lakers are also interested in Carmelo Anthony, the Lakers only have one open slot in its roster. A report from Lakers Nation suggests that the Los Angeles front office is currently leaning towards Morris.
Enes Kanter - Center (Unattached/Waived by New York Knicks)
Enes Kanter was supposed to shore up the Knicks roster and become one of the cornerstones of the franchise. Kanter, a former number three overall pick by the Utah Jazz, is the prototype big man of a bygone era.
Like Lopez, Kanter is one of those few true centers in the NBA. Despite seeing limited court time this season, Kanter has averaged 14 points, 10.5 boards, and 1.9 assists in 44 games for the Knicks. Kanter has career averages of 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds.
NBA teams looking for a solid post defender and rebounder should take a look at Enes Kanter. The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in acquiring Kanter, per Ian Begley of ESPN.
Opposing executives believe the Boston Celtics will be among the teams with interest in Enes Kanter if/when the Knicks big man parts ways with NYK. — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 7, 2019
Another team that could use a traditional big is the Houston Rockets. Since losing Clint Capela, the Rockets are in dire need of a big man. While they already locked up Kenneth Faried, having Kanter in their rotation would help the Rockets compete against anyone in the West.
Honorable Mentions
The players listed above could help any team in the league. That being said, there are other players, such as Marcin Gortat, Greg Monroe, Frank Kaminsky, Milos Teodosic, Michael Beasley, and Alex Abrines, in the buyout market that teams can take a look at.
