NBA Buyout Candidates 2020: Potential Players Who Could Change Playoff Landscape

As I sit here watching the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, I can't help but draw parallels between the world of international volleyball and our beloved NBA. Watching the Alas Pilipinas Men captain make his dramatic comeback from injury in that heartbreaking 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss to Tunisia at the Mall of Asia Arena got me thinking about how crucial roster adjustments can be mid-season. The timing of a player's return from injury or availability through buyouts can completely reshape a team's championship aspirations, much like how that Filipino captain's return could potentially transform his team's fortunes in upcoming matches.

The NBA buyout market has become one of the most fascinating aspects of modern basketball roster construction, creating what I like to call "the second free agency period." Unlike the glamorous summer free agency that dominates headlines, the buyout market operates with a quiet intensity that can make or break championship dreams. I've been following this space for over a decade, and I've never seen it more impactful than in recent years. Teams that master this late-season acquisition game often find themselves with the missing pieces needed for deep playoff runs. The strategic importance can't be overstated - it's like finding a hundred-dollar bill in your winter coat pocket when you desperately need lunch money.

Looking at the 2020 landscape specifically, several names immediately jump out as potential game-changers. Andre Drummond stands at the top of my personal wish list for contenders needing interior presence. At just 26 years old and putting up 17.5 points and 15.8 rebounds per game before the buyout talks began, he represents exactly the kind of impact player who could swing a playoff series. I've always been higher on Drummond than most analysts - his rebounding numbers are historically significant, and while his defense has limitations, his sheer physical presence alters opponent shot selection in the paint. The advanced stats show that teams shoot nearly 8% worse within six feet of the basket when he's patrolling the paint. For a team like the Lakers or Celtics, adding that dimension without giving up assets beyond the pro-rated veteran minimum could be franchise-altering.

Then there's the fascinating case of Darren Collison, who stepped away from basketball unexpectedly before the season began. Sources close to the situation tell me he's been training diligently and could be ready for playoff basketball. Having watched him closely during his Pacers days, I believe his combination of shooting (career 39.4% from three) and playmaking could provide the backcourt stability that several contenders desperately need. The Clippers immediately come to mind - their guard depth has been tested all season, and Collison's veteran presence could be exactly what they need to manage playoff rotations effectively.

What many fans don't realize is how complex the financial and strategic calculations become during buyout negotiations. Teams don't just let productive players walk away without significant consideration. There's often intricate salary cap maneuvering, future consideration promises, and sometimes even gentle persuasion about where a player might prefer to land. I've spoken with front office executives who describe these negotiations as "three-dimensional chess with emotional components." The player's motivations vary wildly too - some prioritize championship opportunities, others want larger roles, and some simply want geographic preferences honored. Understanding these human elements is crucial to predicting where these players might land.

The international basketball world provides interesting parallels to these NBA dynamics. Watching that Alas Pilipinas captain return from injury in the World Championship match reminded me how universal these roster dynamics are across sports. His team still lost to Tunisia despite his valiant effort, proving that one player alone can't always transform fortunes overnight. But the right addition at the right time - whether in volleyball or basketball - can create synergies that exceed the sum of individual talents. The timing of these acquisitions matters tremendously, which is why NBA contenders monitor buyout markets with such intensity.

Another fascinating candidate is Evan Turner, whose versatility has always intrigued me despite his inconsistent shooting. At 6'7" with playmaking ability, he could slot into multiple playoff rotations as a secondary ball-handler and defender. His basketball IQ has never been questioned, and in the right system - I'm looking at you, Denver - he could thrive in limited minutes. The playoffs often come down to which team can best exploit specific matchups, and Turner's unique skill set provides intriguing options against certain opponents.

The financial mechanics of buyouts create fascinating market inefficiencies that smart teams exploit. When a player like Drummond gives back even $5 million of his remaining salary to reach free agency, he essentially becomes the ultimate bargain for his new team. The acquiring team pays minimal salary while getting production worth exponentially more. This creates what economists would call "value dislocation" - and championship teams have become increasingly adept at capitalizing on these opportunities. The Raptors' acquisition of Marc Gasol in 2019 perfectly illustrated this principle in action.

As we approach the critical stretch before the playoffs, I'm keeping particularly close watch on how the Western Conference contenders position themselves in the buyout market. The conference feels more wide-open than it has in years, with at least six teams having legitimate conference finals aspirations. The margin between winning a championship and losing in the second round has never been thinner, making these late-season additions potentially franchise-defining. History shows us that players acquired through buyouts have contributed meaningfully to recent champions - from David West with the Warriors to Greg Monroe with the Celtics during their deep runs.

Ultimately, the beauty of the buyout market lies in its unpredictability and potential for narrative-changing moves. Just as that Alas Pilipinas captain's return injected new hope into his team's World Championship campaign, the right buyout acquisition can transform an NBA team's championship probability overnight. The coming weeks will reveal which front offices have best positioned themselves to capitalize on these opportunities, and which players will seize the chance to write themselves into playoff lore. Having covered this annual ritual for many seasons, I can confidently say that the teams that approach the buyout market with clear-eyed strategy rather than desperation typically reap the greatest rewards.