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Top 5 buyout candidates

Leon Halip / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Following the NBA's trade deadline, contending teams will look to the buyout market in an effort to improve their rosters.

Buyout candidates tend to be veterans on expiring contracts from teams out of playoff contention. To enter free agency, those players must agree to sacrifice a portion of guaranteed salary with their current club before being waived.

While no bona fide stars will be up for grabs, there should still be plenty of impact players in the buyout market. Here are five candidates who could soon be contributing to a playoff run.

Isaiah Thomas, Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers were said to have no intention of keeping Thomas after acquiring him in a three-team deal at the trade deadline, and they followed through by waiving him Saturday. However, the two-time All-Star is the healthiest he's been in quite some time.

Before moving to L.A., Thomas averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 assists in 40 contests with the Washington Wizards while shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, his 42% clip on non-corner triples ranks in the 95th percentile among all point guards, according to Cleaning the Glass. The veteran may not be the force he was with the Boston Celtics, but he can still provide teams with some scoring and playmaking off the bench.

Potential landing spots: Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers

Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets

Biyombo has started 267 games over the course of his nine-year career, but he's best suited for a backup role. His high energy on the glass and rim-protecting presence could boost a number of teams in need of interior help. Although the 27-year-old is averaging a career-high 7.5 points and 5.9 boards this season, he's been benched for six of the Hornets' last nine games.

With Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson reportedly staying put, Biyombo might be the best center who's set to hit the market. He enjoyed a memorable 20-game postseason run with the Toronto Raptors in 2015-16, which was highlighted by what should've been called a clean block on LeBron James.

Biyombo is also an appealing option because he doesn't require the ball much. He knows his role and shouldn't disrupt any team's offensive flow.

Potential landing spots: Clippers, Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets

Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons

Jackson has missed the majority of this season due to a back injury, but he's impressed since returning to the court. Through 11 games, the 29-year-old is averaging 15.4 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 40% from downtown on 5.5 attempts per game.

He'd be a nice fallback option for whichever L.A. club misses out on Darren Collision, but he could also help any team in need of 3-point shooting or a secondary playmaker.

Potential landing spots: Lakers, Clippers, 76ers, Celtics

Courtney Lee, Dallas Mavericks

Just a few years ago, Lee was a quality starting 3-and-D wing. From 2016-18, he posted back-to-back 40% 3-point-shooting campaigns with the New York Knicks. However, minutes have been sparse since his arrival in Dallas last season and the 34-year-old could use a change of scenery.

Glenn James / National Basketball Association / Getty

Despite not playing much, Lee's leadership has been heralded by many of Dallas' younger players. He also has plenty of experience to share after reaching the NBA Finals as a rookie in 2008-09 and playing in 50 career playoff games. Lee's starting days are surely over, but teams could do much worse than a career 38.8% 3-point-shooting wing with defensive versatility.

Potential landing spots: Oklahoma City Thunder, Rockets, Raptors

Evan Turner, Minnesota Timberwolves

Turner hasn't lived up to his billing as the No. 2 overall selection in the 2010 draft, but the 6-foot-6 wing has managed to carve out a decade-long career in the Association with his versatile skill set. The Ohio State product can play both guard positions and the three-spot while acting as a secondary ball-handler and playmaker if needed.

Turner isn't the explosive athlete he was coming out of college, but he's shown an ability to get to the rim and find open teammates off drive and kicks. At the defensive end, the 31-year-old is just as versatile; he's capable of filling minutes at multiple positions, including the four in small-ball lineups.

Potential landing spots: Celtics, Rockets, Thunder, Miami Heat

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