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Potential buyout candidates around the 2020-21 NBA trade deadline

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This season's trade deadline was at 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 25.

While all the attention ahead of the trade deadline was on which players could be traded, equally as interesting is which player could be bought out, paving the way for them to be free agents and sign with any team in the league once they clear waivers.

We've already seen one former All-Star reach a buyout agreement in Blake Griffin, who has since signed with the Brooklyn Nets for the remainder of the season. The Nets weren't done there either, signing another former All-Star in LaMarcus Aldridge after he reached a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs.

Other players have also found new homes on the buyout market, including Andre Drummond reportedly signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and Gorgui Dieng reportedly landing with the Spurs.

Now that the trade deadline has passed, here are some other players who are being mentioned as potential buyout candidates.

Hassan Whiteside, C, Sacramento Kings

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Whiteside would have been a "nice contingency plan" for the Lakers if they struck out on Drummond. With Drummond reportedly going to the Lakers, Whiteside's future plans are unknown. He signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with the Kings in the offseason.

Otto Porter Jr., F, Orlando Magic

The Chicago Bulls reportedly traded Porter Jr. to the Magic in the deal for Nikola Vucevic. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, "multiple teams" are eyeing him as a potential buyout pickup.

DeMarcus Cousins, C, Houston Rockets

The Rockets and Cousins mutually agreed to part ways, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, leading to him being waived on Feb. 23, 2021. In 25 games with the Rockets this season, Cousins averaged 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 20.2 minutes.

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