DeAndre Jordan, Wayne Ellington Lead Lakers Buyout Options

The NBA trade deadline got the attention of everybody. Experts and pundits cannot wait to see the final results, and yes, this time it was completely different. However, everyone expected a huge trade like the one between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans. It did not happen. Now it is time to be honest. When was the last time a team acquired a big name in the middle of the regular season? Even the Golden State Warriors have not made such a move during their dynasty. The same applies to the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. Things will get really intense at the buyout market.

The good thing about the trade deadline is the fact that good teams usually get better and teams will poor performance get better in the future. Big names cost a lot of money, and most teams cannot afford that. Then comes the buyout market. It is more like a tradition in which good teams find midseason upgrades. Some say the buyout “season” is better.

The Philadelphia 76ers stole Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova. The Golden State tried its chances with Anderson Varejao and Matt Barness. The Celtics signed P.J. Brown, and Miami and San Antonio did the same thing with Boris Diaw and Chris Andersen.

Buyouts are perfect for contenders. They cost money only, and it is much less than players get over the summer. Ilyasova and Bellineli were acquired for minimum salaries. About five months later, the players inked deals worth $33 million.

DeAndre Jordan and Wayne Ellington are leading the buyouts this year, and there is still a chance that they end up in Los Angeles. Magic Johnson is still trying to fix the roster, and one of these two will sure come as a blessing.

Let’s see if the buyout market will be a lucky spot for the Lakers this year.