With the NBA trading period officially over, teams that failed to make moves are counting on contract buyouts to get players to fill needs. Several teams opted to not make any trades before the Feb. 20 cutoff date, but are targeting free agents as a cheaper option for the second-half of the season. With players like Glen Davis already swooped up, Ben Gordon and Danny Granger could be next.
Gordon was one of the most popular names being tossed around in trade rumors, but the Charlotte Bobcats opted to not send the veteran packing before the deadline. However, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that Gordon and the Bobcats are finalizing discussions of a contract buyout that would make the guard a free agent. Gordon has been extremely unproductive this season, putting up a mere 7.0 player efficiency rating while earning $13.2 million in the final year of his contract. Naturally, Charlotte is not looking to keep him around.
It is assumed there will not be the greatest market for Gordon once he is released from the Bobcats despite there being plenty of trade interest for him. However, the New York Post is reporting the New York Knicks could have interest in the guard. The Knicks are in the process of completing buy outs for both Beno Udrih and Metta World Peace, New York has several roster spots to fill. Gordon will be their first target as the team is in need of offensive production at a cheap price.
If Gordon does not hit the market, the team could look towards another possible free agent, Danny Granger, for help. Granger was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the deadline, but the team is looking to rebuild and not take on more contracts. It is expected that the team will buy out Granger's contract, putting him on the free agent market.
The Knicks are not the only team looking at both Granger and Gordon. The two veterans could be the best available players on the market and there are plenty of teams in need of offensive production. The San Antonio Spurs are looking to be active in the buyout market after an injury to Tony Parker. The Chicago Bulls could also be buyers in the next few weeks.
