Report: 3 Big Names Are Top Buyout Candidates After the Deadline

The trade deadline is fast approaching, arriving on Thursday at 3pm ET. But even when the dust settles on that, there will still be some big names changing hands in the NBA thanks to the Buyout Market.

Insider Evan Sidery of Forbes lists the top three names that will likely be bought out and become free agents for the taking:

Lonzo Ball, Ben Simmons and Bojan Bogdanovic are the most likely top buyout candidates this year.

The Bulls are shopping Ball ahead of the trade deadline in exchange for second-round draft capital. pic.twitter.com/DpF3Evx94k
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 3, 2025

Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls

The former second overall pick in the NBA Draft (2017), Ball is finally back this season after missing two and a half seasons with a frustrating and debilitating knee injury. He's still a shell of his former self, playing just 29 of the Bulls' 50 games, and averaging just 21 minutes a night, compared to the 32-33 minutes he used to play before his injury. But he is averaging 3.5 assists in his limited minutes, and could provide some help off the bench to a team in need of a backup point guard. The Bulls are still hoping to make a trade for a draft pick before a buyout is considered.

Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets

The Nets will be thrilled to have Simmons off their books and off their bench, as his lack of desire to play professional basketball has been glaring since his arrival in Brooklyn three years ago. He's still afraid to shoot, though he can distribute and create, averaging 7.0 assists per game. Does any contender dare bring in his woeful attitude to their team?

Bojan Bogdanovic, Brooklyn Nets

After spending this entire season recovering from surgery on both his left foot and left wrist, it appears that Bogdanovic may finally be ready to make his season debut after the All-Star break. But will the rest of his season be with the Nets, or will they buy out the remainder of what's left of his $19M salary? His wrist is said to be at 100% full health, but his foot still has a few days to go before he's ready. If he shows he can play at any level approaching his career 39.4% shooting acumen from beyond the arc, some contending team will take a chance on him.