As the 2025 NBA trade deadline officially closed on February 6 at 3 p.m. ET, teams can no longer make in-season trades, but, the buyout market remains a crucial avenue for teams to improve their rosters before the playoffs.

The upcoming March 1 playoff eligibility waiver deadline will determine which waived players can join postseason-bound teams.

Key Trades Before the Deadline

• The trade deadline saw some major player movements that reshaped team rosters. Among the standout deals:
• Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, forming a superstar pairing with LeBron James.
• Anthony Davis moved to the Dallas Mavericks, giving them an elite rim protector alongside Kyrie Irving.
• Jimmy Butler joined the Golden State Warriors, adding another tenacious defender and leader to their squad.
• De’Aaron Fox was sent to the San Antonio Spurs, giving young star Victor Wembanyama an All-Star playmaker.
• Zach LaVine landed with the Sacramento Kings, further strengthening their high-powered offense.
• Brandon Ingram made his way to the Toronto Raptors, bolstering their rebuilding efforts.

While these transactions are now locked in, teams looking for additional roster depth will have to rely on the buyout market, where players who reach agreements with their current teams can become free agents.

Buyout Market: How It Works and Why It Matters

The buyout process occurs when a team and a player mutually agree to terminate a contract in exchange for a financial settlement. This often happens when veteran players on struggling teams seek an opportunity to join a championship contender.

Here’s how the buyout process unfolds:

1. Negotiation – The team and player agree on a settlement amount, often requiring the player to forgo part of their remaining salary.
2. Waiver Period – The player is placed on waivers for 48 hours, during which other teams can claim their contract.
3. Free Agency – If no team claims the player, they become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.

While a buyout gives teams financial relief, the original team still absorbs a salary cap hit for the remaining contract. If the player was on a multi-year deal, teams may spread the cap hit over multiple seasons.

March 1 Deadline: What It Means for Playoff Contenders

The March 1 deadline, officially known as the Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline, is critical for teams looking to add talent before the postseason.

Players waived before March 1 can sign with a new team and participate in the NBA playoffs.

Players waived after March 1 can still sign with teams, but they will be ineligible for postseason play.

For teams aiming to bolster their depth before the playoffs, this is the final opportunity to make impactful roster changes.

Do Buyout Players Make a Difference?

While not every buyout player becomes a game-changer, history has shown that the right addition can make a significant impact in the playoffs. Some notable examples include:

• Boris Diaw (2012) – After being bought out by the Charlotte Bobcats, Diaw joined the San Antonio Spurs, helping them win the 2014 NBA Championship.
• Markieff Morris (2020) – Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and played a key role in their championship run.
• Joe Johnson (2016) – Provided a mid-season spark for the Miami Heat after securing a buyout.
• Blake Griffin (2021) – Gave the Brooklyn Nets valuable minutes in the postseason.

Contenders are expected to closely monitor which veteran players become available, as adding the right piece could be the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run.

As teams finalize their rosters, attention will soon shift to NBA free agency in the summer. With some high-profile stars set to hit the open market, teams are already positioning themselves for the next big move.

For now, all eyes are on March 1, as teams make their final roster adjustments before the road to the NBA Playoffs begins.