Saints

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the NBA&rsquo;s Las Vegas Summer League returns. And with that comes the most electric small sample of inconsequential games on the league calendar.&nbsp;
The 2021 draft class will don NBA jerseys for the first time, and most of the 2020 class will finally receive a real training ground after missing out last season. With so much young talent descending on Las Vegas, every single team has multiple storylines to follow.
But fans also have the final few weeks of their summer to savor. So while I'll surely be watching as many games as possible, what teams should be considered appointment television? What rosters are chock full of prospects and intrigue?
Below are the eight "must-watch" teams of 2021 MGM Resorts Summer League, with a complete schedule included&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nba.com/summer-league/2021/vegas/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Detroit Pistons
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Here&rsquo;s the Pistons&rsquo; Summer League roster <a href="https://t.co/oDl06KKiEF">pic.twitter.com/oDl06KKiEF</a>
&mdash; James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLEdwardsIII/status/1423370122199248902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

As with every year of summer league, the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft immediately grabs headlines as a player to watch. And&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;expects big things from Cade Cunningham, who is largely considered to be one of the more polished prospects in recent memory.&nbsp;
However, it's not just Cunningham who makes this an exciting roster. Second-year forward Saddiq Bey joins the squad after landing on the All-Rookie First Team last season. Saben Lee turned heads as a second-round rookie. Killian Hayes is out to prove himself after injuries hampered the seventh overall pick of the 2020 draft. Sekou Doumbouya has some asserting to do as well, having yet to make a major leap since being drafted 15th overall in 2019.
You won't see Isaiah Stewart, Isaiah Livers or Chris Smith in action; they're&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/detnewsRodBeard/status/1423371634967257090" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly not playing due to injuries.</a>&nbsp;But there's simply so much talent and intrigue, even without those three. This could be a rare summer league team that could both win games and introduce the masses to some notable young players.
Houston Rockets
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
🚀 Summer League roster is here! More info: <a href="https://t.co/nDED5Tfu0M">https://t.co/nDED5Tfu0M</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2wnObZApV">pic.twitter.com/q2wnObZApV</a>
&mdash; Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1423752361252728835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Until July 29, the Rockets had not made a first-round pick in the NBA Draft since selecting Sam Dekker all the way back in 2015. This year they picked not once, not twice, but four times in the first 24 selections.&nbsp;
All four choices &mdash; Jalen Green (the No. 2 overall pick), Alperen Sengun (No. 16), Usman Garuba (No. 23) and Josh Christopher (No. 24) will suit up in Vegas. They represent the future of the franchise and the first first-round picks by general manager Rafael Stone.&nbsp;
Don't forget about uber-athletic K.J. Martin, son of NBA veteran Kenyon Martin, and his quietly-successful rookie season, either. He could make some of the highlight-reel plays of the tournament.&nbsp;
Memphis Grizzlies
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/memgrizz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@memgrizz</a> today announced their 17-player roster for MGM Resorts <a href="https://twitter.com/NBASummerLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBASummerLeague</a> 2021 in Las Vegas. <a href="https://t.co/rJ0HBn26Lf">pic.twitter.com/rJ0HBn26Lf</a>
&mdash; Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1424099014979555328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

The Grizzlies might be my early pick as Las Vegas Summer League champs. Desmond Bane is frankly too good to be here. After making the All-Rookie Second Team last season and emerging as one of the better shooters in the entire league, Bane could eviscerate the younger opponents he'll face.
He'll be joined by three other 2020 draft picks in Xavier Tillman, Killian Tillie and Sam Merrill, who was recently acquired in the trade that sent Grayson Allen to Milwaukee. As far as summer league goes, this should be one of the more experienced squads in Las Vegas.
Toss in two first round picks in Ziaire Williams (No. 10) and Santi Aldama (No. 30) as well. Both were picked at least six spots higher than BasketballNews.com draft analyst Matt Babcock&nbsp;<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">predicted</a>&nbsp;before draft night. Time will tell if they were the right choices, but both can make a strong first impression at summer league. If undrafted rookie Yves Pons is doing&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1423792346123145218?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stuff like this</a>, he's another one to watch.
Orlando Magic
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
As expected, the Magic&rsquo;s NBA Summer League roster will include second-year guards Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton in addition to rookies Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner. <a href="https://t.co/lyACl7whtD">https://t.co/lyACl7whtD</a> <a href="https://t.co/q6aPtdx7vG">pic.twitter.com/q6aPtdx7vG</a>
&mdash; Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins/status/1422196207372361740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Orlando was one of two teams with multiple lottery picks in this summer's NBA Draft. Both Jalen Suggs (the No. 5 pick) and Franz Wagner (No. 8) will make appearances as two potential cornerstones for the franchise.
Suggs in particular should garner interest because he joins a crowded lineup of young, exciting guards in Orlando. Viewers will see two of the others in Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton. How will the Magic balance minutes in the early going? Will any of the three separate themselves from the pack? How often will Orlando try a three-guard lineup?
Those are just some of the questions that first-year head coach Jamahl Mosley will eventually have to answer.
Golden State Warriors
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Warriors announce updated Summer League Roster ahead of the team's five-game slate at the MGM Resorts Summer League 2021 in Las Vegas: <a href="https://t.co/E1CKLAyd1I">pic.twitter.com/E1CKLAyd1I</a>
&mdash; Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarriorsPR/status/1424098129180123138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Are Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga ready to join a rotation with win-now expectations? That's the central question for Golden State ahead of summer league. Both prospects had rocky-yet-promising debuts in the California Classic. Moody dropped 19 points (7-for-18 shooting) to go with seven rebounds, while Kuminga logged 18 points (7-for-14 shooting) and three rebounds against six turnovers.
As the No. 7 pick, Kuminga is theoretically a long-term upside play. Moody (No. 14 pick) is typically viewed as a safer, more NBA-ready prospect, but he too is a one-and-done wing. Even as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green push for a championship, these two shouldn't be forced into action. They'll grow at their own paces; summer league serves as a starting point.
Gary Payton II is the third player to focus on. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/what-andre-iguodalas-warriors-return-could-mean-rest-roster" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drew Shiller of NBC Sports</a>, the Warriors have until Aug. 11 to waive the guard before guaranteeing $659,000 on his contract. We'll see how that plays out as Payton goes through the next 10 days.&nbsp;
Charlotte Hornets
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Charlotte Hornets&rsquo; summer league roster featuring James Bouknight, Kai Jones and LiAngelo Ball, brother of Hornets star LaMelo Ball. More NBA from me: <a href="https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP">https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/keKAzpdc9O">pic.twitter.com/keKAzpdc9O</a>
&mdash; Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1422248415778455557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

The Hornets garnered widespread praise for their 2021 NBA Draft. Charlotte came away with a dynamic scoring guard in James Bouknight at No. 11, and then grabbed two high-upside talents in Kai Jones (at No. 19) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/jt-thor-could-be-2021-nba-draft-diamond-in-the-rough-auburn-tigers-prospect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JT Thor</a>&nbsp;(who is not in the above graphic but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article253197298.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">will play</a>) at No. 37.
I'll be especially intrigued in seeing just how NBA ready Jones and Thor appear to be. The Hornets don't have to rush either prospect and could opt to send them down to their G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. If they do flash skill at summer league, though, they could eventually become exciting targets for LaMelo Ball.
And speaking of Ball, his brother LiAngelo will probably have his best shot at making the NBA this week. His name alone creates another storyline to follow, as LiAngelo hopes to follow his two brothers into stardom in the Association.
Cleveland Cavaliers
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cavs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cavs</a> have announced their Summer League roster. <a href="https://t.co/4rAzBB6KmZ">pic.twitter.com/4rAzBB6KmZ</a>
&mdash; Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpinDavies/status/1422347397154344965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Cleveland is the only team in the NBA carrying two top-5 draft picks into summer league. Evan Mobley &mdash; a unique blend of size, speed and skill and this year's No. 3 pick &mdash; is certainly the headliner. Mobley has a ceiling as high as any in this draft class, and this week will give the first glimpses at how Cleveland looks to optimize him.
The other is Isaac Okoro, who started all 67 of the games he played last season. His usage rate was low, though, and the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft struggled with shooting efficiency as a rookie. He made just 29% of his three-pointers and had a true shooting percentage of just 51.4, which is relatively poor. He can demonstrate improvement in this setting while getting more touches and the chance to showcase his defensive prowess.
One other player I'd keep an eye on is Mfiondu Kabengele. The Cavs signed him outright in May after playing through two 10-day contracts. Kabengele is a 2019 first-round pick who never clicked with the Clippers, so this could be a good place to start fresh.
Toronto Raptors
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Raptors Summer League roster below! Moses Wright will no longer be with the Raptors in Vegas. Became uncertainty as other moves were made and he'll opt for a different situation. (Not uncommon.) <a href="https://t.co/lRcbGUWYrL">pic.twitter.com/lRcbGUWYrL</a>
&mdash; Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeMurphyODC/status/1423298986606223365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Kyle Lowry's departure signals a new era in Toronto -- one currently centered around Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby. Though they've graduated from summer league reps, fans will get to see three more key pieces that could define the franchise's future.
Toronto caught most draft analysts off guard by selecting Scottie Barnes with the fourth overall pick, but make no mistake, Barnes is a versatile forward whose combination of athleticism and processing speed will be on full display in Las Vegas.
Though Precious Achiuwa is not listed above, the second-year center will <a href="https://www.nba.com/summer-league/2021/vegas/team/1610612761/raptors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">also be with Toronto</a>&nbsp;after coming over from Miami in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade. Although the league has reportedly opened a tampering probe against the Miami Heat, at this time, there&rsquo;s no reason to believe that Achiuwa won&rsquo;t be in uniform for Toronto.
Fellow 2020 first-rounder Malachi Flynn will likely run the summer league offense in hopes of staking his claim as the Raptors' third guard in the rotation.&nbsp;
Newly-extended Masai Ujiri will surely keep a close eye on the three prospects as he ponders the identity of Toronto's next iteration.
---
After a one-year hiatus, it&rsquo;ll be nice to have summer basketball back. And without question, these are the teams that I&rsquo;ll be keeping a close eye on.

The 2021 MGM Resorts NBA Summer League in Las Vegas begins on August 8, and some teams qualify as 'Must See' TV.

Who are the must-watch Summer League teams in Las Vegas?

The 2021 NBA Draft is in the books. Now that we know where the prospects have landed, our NBA Draft experts Matt Babcock and Derek Murray are sharing their thoughts about the results.
Obviously, it&rsquo;s too early to definitively assess these picks (since we won&rsquo;t know the true winners and losers for a few years). Still, we still wanted to get their snap judgement on what unfolded.
Who are your biggest winners (and why)?
Matt Babcock: In my opinion, the Charlotte Hornets were the big winners last night. First of all, selecting <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/james-bouknight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Bouknight</a> at No. 11 was an excellent value pick (considering we had him mocked at No. 6 prior to the draft). The Hornets&rsquo; backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Bouknight should prove to be an exciting duo moving forward. The Hornets also added <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/kai-jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kai Jones</a> at No. 19, which was a great pick as well. We had projected that the Hornets would select Jones at No. 11 for a while before the draft, so to move back and get him at No. 19 was impressive. Lastly, trading up to snag <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jt-thor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JT Thor</a>, a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/jt-thor-could-be-2021-nba-draft-diamond-in-the-rough-auburn-tigers-prospect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">super high-upside</a> prospect, at No. 37 was another smart move. All in all, they added Bouknight, who I think will be able to contribute at a high level right away, and two players in Jones and Thor who possess significant potential. I think the Hornets deserve an &lsquo;A&rsquo; grade for their picks.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VZ5YkxWV-vs" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Derek Murray: Charlotte and Houston. The Hornets added incredible athleticism across the board in guys who have crazy high upside. It may take a while for the group to develop as a whole, but the sky's the limit for them. I really loved Houston&rsquo;s draft too (possibly the most), as they added four first-rounders: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jalen-green" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jalen Green</a> (No. 2), <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/alperen-sengun" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alperen Sengun</a> (No. 16), <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/usman-garuba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Usman Garuba</a> (No. 23) and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/josh-christopher" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Christopher</a> (No. 24). They addressed multiple positions, roles and archetypes in the same first round, which is usually impossible to do. They also did it with youth across the board, so I think Houston fans should be ecstatic.&nbsp;
Who are your biggest losers (and why)?
Matt Babcock: I don&rsquo;t know if I&rsquo;d go as far to say they were my &ldquo;biggest loser,&rdquo; but I will say that I was surprised that the Memphis Grizzlies traded up to No. 10 to select <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/ziaire-williams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ziaire Williams</a> and moved up to No. 30 to select <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/santi-aldama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Santi Aldama</a>. Although there were some whispers that Williams had drawn some interest from teams as high as the Orlando Magic at No. 8, I wasn&rsquo;t totally convinced he was going to be selected in the lottery. Therefore, I think they would have had a pretty good chance of picking him later on in the draft. I was even more surprised by Memphis trading up to No. 30 to select Aldama, as I was not expecting him to be selected anywhere near the first round. (We had him mocked at No. 55 prior to the draft).
Derek Murray: I don&rsquo;t like to call any team a &ldquo;loser&rdquo; immediately following draft night because it truly takes three years to make that call. That being said, I&rsquo;m very curious about the decision-making in San Antonio. It feels like they have a log jam at the guard/combo-guard positions with Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Lonnie Walker, Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones under contract, and then they took <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joshua-primo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Primo</a> at No. 12 and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joe-wieskamp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joe Wieskamp</a> at No. 41. I really like both of these players, and I do think Wiekamp at 41st is good value, but I envisioned them addressing the front-court concerns at No. 12 with either <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/alperen-sengun" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alperen Sengun</a> or <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/kai-jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kai Jones</a>.&nbsp;
Which pick surprised you the most?
Matt Babcock: There were a number of picks that surprised me: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joshua-giddey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Giddey</a> to Oklahoma City at No.6, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/ziaire-williams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ziaire Williams</a> to Memphis at No. 10, and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joshua-primo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Primo</a> to San Antonio at No. 12, for sure. However, the biggest surprise of the night for me was Memphis selecting <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/santi-aldama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Santi Aldama</a> at No. 30.
Derek Murray: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joshua-primo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joshua Primo</a> at No. 12 stands alone for me as the biggest surprise reach, but <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/santi-aldama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Santi Aldama</a> at No. 30 is up there. Both are great players, I just imagined them each going 10-15 spots later than they did. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/sharife-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sharife Cooper</a> also surprised me; we knew he would slip to the second round so that part wasn&rsquo;t a shock, but to fall all the way to No. 48 is wild.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l4a6osxv3q4" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Who were some of the best value picks?
Matt Babcock: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/james-bouknight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Bouknight</a> at No. 11 to Charlotte, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/miles-mcbride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miles McBride</a> at No. 36 to New York and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jared-butler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jared Butler</a> at No. 40 to Utah.
Derek Murray: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jaden-springer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jaden Springer</a> at No. 26, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/miles-mcbride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miles McBride</a>e at No. 36 and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/sandro-mamukelashvili" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sandro Mamukelashvili</a> at No. 54.&nbsp;
Were you surprised that there weren&rsquo;t more trades? Why didn&rsquo;t we see more?
Matt Babcock: Yeah, I think everyone expected a more dramatic night in regards to trades. There were certainly a lot of trades discussed among teams behind the scenes. I think some of the early picks that surprised some of us changed the course of the entire draft.
Derek Murray: I imagined another move or two within the lottery, but with <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joshua-giddey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Giddey</a> being taken at No. 6, which nobody predicted, it pushed some players down one slot to the teams that wanted them. At that point, there was no rush or need to move up.&nbsp;
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PzmXn974ZRU" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Any parting thoughts?
Matt Babcock: Considering that there was no Summer League last year due to COVID-19, draft picks from the 2020 NBA Draft will be joining this year&rsquo;s class in Las Vegas for their first Summer-League action, which should make for a uniquely competitive and exciting tournament this year. Also, I&rsquo;m excited to start our rookie coverage, which will begin at Summer League in Las Vegas and carry on into the 2021-22 NBA season.
Derek Murray: I&rsquo;m fascinated with what comes from this draft for the Memphis Grizzlies. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/ziaire-williams">Ziaire Williams</a> and <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/santi-aldama">Santi Aldama</a> will be considered &ldquo;reaches&rdquo; by many, but these are two supremely talented players. It may be a few years before it clicks for them, but they could end up really, really good.
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft">Check out all of BasketballNews.com&rsquo;s coverage of the 2021 NBA Draft (including interviews, highlight videos, analysis and more) here.</a>

Matt Babcock and Derek Murray share their winners and losers, biggest surprises, favorite steals and more from the 2021 NBA Draft.

2021 NBA Draft Recap: Winners and losers, steals, biggest surprises

The 2021 NBA Draft will be held on July 29, 2021, which means it's just 15 days away. Our NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock went through a number of picks with the highest upside and the most potential.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2hxy2BXvTo" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
With the 2021 NBA Draft just weeks away, most of our scouting work has already been completed. After <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently updating our 2021 NBA Mock Draft</a>, I&rsquo;d like to highlight some of the prospects that we think possess the most potential and upside in the entire draft this year:
2. Houston Rockets: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/evan-mobley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evan Mobley, USC</a>
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/woziH9cSijk" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bottom Line: Standing 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, while also being a fluid athlete, Evan Mobley utilizes his unique combination of length and mobility to be an elite rim protector. He has also shown flashes of being an effective passer and outside shooter. Overall, it&rsquo;s rare to find players with his size, skill and athleticism, making him a special prospect. Depending on what the Detroit Pistons value, he could be in contention for the No. 1 pick.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jalen-green" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jalen Green, G League Ignite</a>
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VZ5YkxWV-vs" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bottom Line: Although known mostly as a high-flyer, Jalen Green showed a more versatile offensive repertoire this past season for the G League Ignite. His explosiveness and ability to create space off the dribble, along with his improved outside shooting, have made him one of the most coveted prospects this year. Green is perhaps the most athletic and dynamic prospect in the entire draft, and he has subsequently established himself as a near lock to be a top-five pick.
11. Charlotte Hornets: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/kai-jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kai Jones, Texas</a>
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vF65lCIBod4" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bottom Line: At 6-foot-11, Jones teased with his athleticism and offensive tools this past season at Texas. He will need to develop his physical strength and add polish to become a high-level NBA player; however, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/ncaa-basketball-kai-jones-the-beginning-bahamas-deandre-ayton-texas-longhorns-nba-draft-prospects-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his long-term ceiling is extremely high</a>. At this point in the draft, he might be worth the risk.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/ziaire-williams" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ziaire Williams, Stanford</a>
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cd4xw1iHgZo" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bottom Line: Having struggled with his consistency at Stanford, Ziaire Williams has become a somewhat polarizing prospect. Overall, his freshman season was underwhelming. Although his slim build and ability to finish at the rim have drawn concerns, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/ziaire-williams-eager-to-take-his-next-developmental-steps-in-the-nba-2021-draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his upside is worth noting</a>. A 6-foot-8 wing who is capable of creating space and hitting tough, contested shots, Williams has the potential to be a versatile scoring wing at the next level.
30. Utah Jazz: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/jt-thor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JT Thor, Auburn</a> 
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CG89TyhX1-8" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bottom Line: Thor is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing prospects in this class. He's long, rangy and fluid for his size. These, paired with his ability to shoot the deep ball and protect the rim, give promise to great impact at the next level if it clicks. He likely won't be ready to contribute early in his career, but the physical tools and skill set are worth betting on.
34. Oklahoma City Thunder: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft/big-board/players/joshua-primo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Primo, Alabama</a> 
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mvk_kl_Dm4M" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bottom Line: Despite being a little ways from making a real impact on an NBA floor, Josh Primo has <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2021-nba-draft-combine-recap-7-players-who-stood-out-prospects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tremendous long-term potential</a>. He progressed well during his freshman season at Alabama, averaging 9.0 points per game while shooting 41.4% from three and 89.3% from the free-throw line in conference play. With good positional size, Primo will need to continue to build on his basketball IQ and versatility as he moves on to the next level, but he shouldn't be on the board too long, as his upside is undeniable.
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Be sure to check out Matt's latest 2021 Mock Draft (and click on each player's name for in-depth analysis, stats, measurements and more).</a>

NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock highlights some of the prospects that he feels have the most potential and upside in the 2021 class.

2021 NBA Mock Draft: Matt Babcock highlights prospects with the most upside

In order to best quantify the salary that players should be making based on their performance, former Rosenhaus Sports vice president of basketball operations and NBA agent Joshua Ebrahim has spent the last 20 months developing a new platform called <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athletes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ProFitX</a>. According to Ebrahim, ProFitX is the sports industry&rsquo;s first-ever comprehensive real-time financial and performance index powered by artificial intelligence.
One feature is <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract Value</a>, which creates a monetary value based on a player's on-court performance and skill-set.
Oftentimes when we talk about teams and salaries, the conversation is dominated by which team overpaid a free agent and players who haven't produced enough to justify their contracts (in some people's opinion). But which players have outperformed their current contract the most?
BasketballNews.com already assembled a roundtable regarding the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/roundtable-which-nba-contract-is-the-biggest-bargain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biggest bargain deals in the NBA</a>, but for this exercise, we'll take a more data-driven approach this (using <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract Value</a>).
We'll begin this two-part series with the Eastern Conference.
(Due to the frequency of rookie-scale deals undervaluing young talents, we will exclude them from this series. We will also have a minimum requirement of 40 games played.)
Atlanta Hawks: Brandon Goodwin - $1,701,593 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3057198/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $5,329,117 (+213.18%)
The undrafted Norcross, Georgia native has stepped up in a big way this season, particularly when pacing the Hawks sans Trae Young. In the three games he played at least 30 minutes, Goodwin has averaged 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He has recently been relegated to a reserve role with the addition of Lou Williams and Kris Dunn&rsquo;s return from injury, but was paramount for Atlanta in the months of January and April.
Boston Celtics: Tristan Thompson - $9,258,000 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/6474/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $10,024,192 (+8.28%)
It is difficult to quantify Thompson&rsquo;s value on the floor with traditional statistics. He is a hustling extraordinaire that fights for every loose ball, does the little things in the paint and isn&rsquo;t afraid to take a defensive challenge, particularly on switches. He&rsquo;s also well-versed as a rolling big, and leads the Celtics with 215 screen assists. Thompson&rsquo;s most redeeming ability, however, is his ability to snatch rebounds and provide extra possessions.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Brooklyn Nets: Jeff Green - $2,564,753 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3209/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $11,835,871 (+361.46%)
Aside from the somewhat surprising rim-crushing dunks he&rsquo;s had at the ripe age of 34, Green has been as steady as any veteran player in the NBA. Considering his professionalism, production on both ends and his versatility in general, It&rsquo;s kind of perplexing as to why he hasn&rsquo;t been able to cash in on his long-term value before this season. The Nets are his eighth team in the past seven seasons, and all of his deals have been for one year, and in Houston it was originally a 10-day contract. In addition to his defensive skills, Green is a reliable locker room guy and a tremendously-improved three-point shooter (39.5%) who is playing the most minutes of his career since the 2018-19 season, so he should be able to get a solid deal in the offseason with a contending team if he doesn&rsquo;t return to Brooklyn.
Charlotte Hornets: Jalen McDaniels - $1,517,981 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/4066731/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $6,050,304 (+298.58%)
McDaniels had his two-way contract quickly converted into a standard deal the year he was drafted, so it doesn&rsquo;t quite count as a rookie-scale. Though the Gordon Hayward injury was a setback to the team, the 23-year-old has not taken his uptick of minutes for granted. Since April 4, McDaniels is averaging 10.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and a steal in a career-high 26.8 minutes per contest. He is a rangy defender at 6-foot-9, closing out perimeter shots, staying disciplined, playing passing lanes and, offensively, running the floor and being ready to catch and shoot.
Chicago Bulls: Ryan Arcidiacono - $3,000,000 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/2991047/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $5,962,929 (+98.76%)
Arcidiacono barely meets the minimum requirement for this exercise with 42 games played (and only 10 minutes per game), and he hasn&rsquo;t quite been the sharpshooter he&rsquo;s been over the past two seasons with Chicago -- and usually shooters need to get reps in order to get into a rhythm. However, according to InStat, he has defended pick-and-rolls (0.86 PPP), catch-and-shoot (0.82 PPP) and catch-and-drive situations (0.72) at a respectable rate.&nbsp;
Cleveland Cavaliers: Dean Wade - $1,517,981 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3912848/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $8,441,563 (+456.10%)
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/2deanwade_lg.jpg" alt="" width="797" height="491" />
Did you know that the most successful starting lineup the Cavs have thrown out includes Wade? The quintet of Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, Jarrett Allen and Wade are 4-1 together. It&rsquo;s largely due to the spacing that the stretch-four provides, and his long-distance sweet spots are in both corners (51.2%) and the left elbow (40%). He&rsquo;s also a solid rebounder, as evidenced by his recent 19-point, 12-rebound career night vs. the Indiana Pacers. Wade started out as an undrafted two-way contract player and worked his way into an every night rotation player, and that&rsquo;s admirable.
Detroit Pistons: Frank Jackson - $77,250 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/4065651/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $12,215,306 (+15712.69%)
At the beginning of the season, Troy Weaver inked the former New Orleans Pelicans guard to a two-way contract. Prior to midseason, Jackson&rsquo;s minutes were sporadic; since that point, it was full-speed ahead. From March 15 and on, Jackson has played over 22 minutes per game, starting in six of those. He&rsquo;s averaged 12 points and has knocked down 41.6% of his threes, and defensively has navigated screens on the outside to defend hand-offs well.
Indiana Pacers: Edmond Sumner - $2,160,000 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3136485/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $10,915,772 (+405.36%)
While there may have been more turmoil than expected in Indianapolis, the emergence of Sumner has been an extreme bright spot for the Pacers. He brings a real physicality and has that dog in him, truly, on both ends of the floor. He&rsquo;s a savant in transition (1.31 PPP), a just-under-40% three-baller and a dependable option in the team&rsquo;s rotation -- so much that he&rsquo;s started 19 out of Indiana&rsquo;s last 20 games. Mighty impressive for anybody, but especially a No. 52 overall selection four years ago.
Miami Heat: Gabe Vincent - $77,250 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3137259/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $5,184,257 (+6,611.01%)
Due to Miami getting everybody back, Vincent&rsquo;s role has shrunk. But early in the season, with the Heat ravaged by health and safety protocols, injuries and inconsistencies, Vincent had the opportunity to play big minutes. In his first two career starts against the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored 45 points, dished out 11 assists and hit 34.5% of his 23 attempted triples in over 70 minutes of action. Following that game, his usage decreased, as did his output. Defense is his specialty, though, fighting away from the ball to stick to his man and defend out on the perimeter.&nbsp;
Milwaukee Bucks: Jeff Teague - $808,073 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/4015/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $9,183,063 (+1036.42%)
Teague began the season as a backup point guard for the Celtics; as soon as he started to find a rhythm with his new team, Boston dealt him to the Orlando Magic, where he was waived. So what did he do next? Reunited with his old friend Mike Budenholzer. Up to this point, Teague has played the role of a playmaker off the bench for the Bucks; it is of note that he has played fewer than 10 minutes over the last three games, but that could be just resting a vet for the postseason push. He&rsquo;s scored in double figures six times with Milwaukee as well, including a 19-point, 6-assist performance on April 9.
New York Knicks: Taj Gibson - $1,442,968 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3986/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $8,269,682 ($473.10%)
The Knicks have an old-school feel under Tom Thibodeau&rsquo;s direction. Could it be because he&rsquo;s got his former Bulls with him? Gibson has proven that his gas tank isn&rsquo;t anywhere near empty, with a career-best 66.7% True Shooting percentage and a 2.1 Defensive Box Plus-Minus. He is a burly stalwart who makes sound rotations, has great awareness and grabs key rebounds, including those oh-so-important cleanups.
Orlando Magic: Dwayne Bacon - $1,678,854 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3907821/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $12,848,836 (+665.83%)
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/bacon_lg.jpeg" alt="" />
Bacon seemingly comes out of nowhere with multiple big-time scoring stretches every year. Under Steve Clifford for the second time in his career, the fourth-year swingman has averaged a career-high 11.2 points on 10.1 field goal attempts per night, as well as over three rebounds a game. Bacon loves to get into the pull-up mid-range, and his lengthy frame allows him to get to his spots.
Philadelphia 76ers: Furkan Korkmaz - $1,762,796 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3929325/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $15,251,267 (+765.17%)
Korkmaz signed a two-year minimum deal in 2019 after the Sixers declined his third-year team option on his original rookie deal. While he&rsquo;s been nursing an ankle injury as of late, the Turkish flamethrower has been a regular member of Philadelphia&rsquo;s rotation for the past two seasons. He&rsquo;s always ready to fire in the corner, and is anything but bashful when it comes to attempting shots off the catch that come his way.&nbsp;
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Toronto Raptors: DeAndre&rsquo; Bembry - $1,737,145 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3062667/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $6,449,471 (+271.27%)
With the Raptors thinned out by injuries, protocols and generally poor luck, Bembry had the opportunity to showcase his jack-of-all-trades skill set. Despite his shortcomings as a shooter, he does a lot of things well that don&rsquo;t show up in the box score with hustle plays and stout defense. He forces turnovers, gets out on the break and finishes. He&rsquo;s also a solid cutter and possesses quite a bit of athleticism.
Washington Wizards: Garrison Mathews - $77,250 | <a href="https://beta.profitx.ai/#/athlete/3913180/playercontract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-Time Contract</a>: $6,450,182 (+8249.75%)
It&rsquo;s not easy when rotations aren&rsquo;t consistent, but when Scott Brooks started Mathews for 21 games straight between Feb. 12 and March 25, he gave the Wizards a consistent three-point threat every time he was out on the floor. A solid catch-shooter, he drained a 43.8% perimeter clip during that span. That&rsquo;s a huge deal with Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal drawing the attention they do. While he has been in and out of the rotation as of late, that deserves plenty of praise for an undrafted mid-major player on a two-way contract.

Spencer Davies uses ProFitX to provide a team-by-team look at what players are outperforming their contract value the most in the East.

NBA players outperforming their contracts: Eastern Conference

Each day, BasketballNews.com scours #NBATwitter to bring you the best tweets from the previous day. Some are insightful, some are just hilarious (so we had to include them).
Without further ado, here are the tweets of the day for March 26, 2021.
Collective Sigh of Relief
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Live look at raptors twitter seeing this tweet <a href="https://t.co/PmnEX7U4Bc">https://t.co/PmnEX7U4Bc</a> <a href="https://t.co/s9x9IYJxyS">pic.twitter.com/s9x9IYJxyS</a>
&mdash; alexis (@piptal) <a href="https://twitter.com/piptal/status/1375164795356332038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Raptors fans are truly the LeBrons of preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. And yesterday, like every trade deadline before, we panicked for no reason. Nothing like tradition!
Lemon Pepper Forever
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Lou about to have them Magic City wings everyday
&mdash; Josh Hart (@joshhart) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshhart/status/1375153526947598337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Be careful what you wish for. In the case of Lou Williams, his proximity to Magic City basically cost him a chance at a title.
Gary Gang
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
There are three players in the NBA named Gary and they&rsquo;ve all been traded today: Gary Clark (ORL to DEN), Gary Harris (DEN to ORL), and Gary Trent Jr. (POR to TOR).
&mdash; Sagar Trika (@BlazersBySagar) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlazersBySagar/status/1375140286091776003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

What a weird day for Gary&rsquo;s. (Garies? Garys? Spencer, help me out.)
Woj Who?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkić will make his return to the lineup on Friday vs. Orlando. He's back from a right wrist fractured. Sources tell : Jusuf Nurkić
&mdash; Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) <a href="https://twitter.com/bosnianbeast27/status/1375158963692523525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Seems like everybody has sources these days. On a serious note, it will be so refreshing to see Nurk back with the Blazers on Friday and on his own accord.
Umm...Okay?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
<a href="https://t.co/6TZYI3gBRX">https://t.co/6TZYI3gBRX</a> <a href="https://t.co/5JF57MMntg">pic.twitter.com/5JF57MMntg</a>
&mdash; rxbun (@rxbun) <a href="https://twitter.com/rxbun/status/1375205695759466500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

One of these things is not like the other!
Patiently Waiting
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Players on the Magic hearing their name called to leave Orlando <a href="https://t.co/JP432Qj5u7">pic.twitter.com/JP432Qj5u7</a>
&mdash; Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasmineLWatkins/status/1375125433876897803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

And then, there were none. Well not none, but it sure feels like almost the entire Magic squad got traded today, and none of them seemed too upset about it.
You&rsquo;re Gonna Love Him
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
hello portland: you should know about apollo and odin <a href="https://t.co/De1RBn5w9c">https://t.co/De1RBn5w9c</a>
&mdash; James Herbert (@outsidethenba) <a href="https://twitter.com/outsidethenba/status/1375255077015986181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

It upsets me to see Norm leave, but I find comfort in the fact that he's going to Portland, who will surely appreciate the Instagram he runs for his dogs that includes captions that sound like they were written by the dogs (and birthday party photos).
Our Very Own
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
🙏🏾‼️ <a href="https://t.co/fcfHyNpCzz">https://t.co/fcfHyNpCzz</a>
&mdash; Troy Brown Jr (@Troy_Brown33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Troy_Brown33/status/1375243772531998725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Congratulations and best wishes to BasketballNews.com&rsquo;s very own Troy Brown Jr., who is headed to Chicago as the newest member of the Bulls. The Bulls were arguably the winners of this trade deadline, as they acquired not only Troy, but Nikola Vucevic, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Daniel Theis as they head towards a much-needed and highly anticipated upswing.
10/10
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Roll up your sleeves everybody. For your friends, family &amp; yourself . 👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👦&zwj;👦 <a href="https://t.co/k6z8K6Pvz8">pic.twitter.com/k6z8K6Pvz8</a>
&mdash; jaren vaxon jr (@jarenjacksonjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/jarenjacksonjr/status/1375248575014137856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

The temporary name change. The caption. The calm, cool, and collected photo. What a splash of joy on an otherwise nerve-wracking day.
See a tweet that should be featured in our next Tweets of the Day piece? Send it to <a href="https://twitter.com/kelsea_lately" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@kelsea_lately</a>.

Every day, our Kelsea O'Brien scours #NBATwitter to find the best posts. Here are the tweets of the day for March 26, 2021.

NBA Tweets of the Day: Trade Deadline Extravaganza

While the NBA&rsquo;s trade deadline is one of the busiest days of the year, there are plenty of names that are talked about, but ultimately don&rsquo;t end up being traded. That doesn&rsquo;t mean that the player movement is done for the year. In fact, this year may see bigger names bought out and signed than you see them traded.
The buyout market often brings more hope than it does productivity. The last player to receive a buyout and then play over 100 minutes in the playoffs for a team that won a championship was Peja Stojakovic for the Dallas Mavericks all the way back in 2011. More often than not, this type of move isn&rsquo;t made for a difference-maker. But this is as abnormal of a season as we&rsquo;ve seen in the NBA, so this very well may be the year that things change.
Below are some of the players that could end up in the buyout market after the dust settles.
Andre Drummond, Center - Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have been shopping Drummond ever since the team jumped in and acquired Jarett Allen from Brooklyn as part of the James Harden deal. The issue with shopping Drummond on the trade market was that few teams had the ability to <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-houston-rockets-orlando-magic-victor-oladipo-aaron-gordon-evan-fournier-andre-drummond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">absorb his cap hit of nearly $30 million</a>. He hasn&rsquo;t played for Cleveland since the beginning of February and will be recieving a buyout. Signs seem to indicate him heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, although the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks also may have interest.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Power Forward - San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs very rarely make trades during the season, and despite publicly announcing earlier this month that the organization had agreed to part ways with Aldridge, no team traded for him and he will be bought out by the Spurs. While Aldridge isn&rsquo;t the player he once was, he still is a player that can help a winning team make a push in the playoffs. His numbers this year are the lowest since his rookie year in the NBA, but never underestimate what a change of scenery can do for a player with a desire to win. The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns are two teams to watch here, and it&rsquo;s worth noting he did take meetings with both franchises prior to signing with the Spurs in 2015.
Austin Rivers, Guard - New York Knicks
When the New York Knicks traded for Derrick Rose earlier this season, it made Austin Rivers a very expendable player -- and one who likely won&rsquo;t finish the season in New York. If he&rsquo;s bought out, he&rsquo;s capable of providing a scoring punch off the bench for a team that needs it. The Milwaukee Bucks could be a relatively intriguing fit. Rivers was dealt to the Thunder as part of a trade that saw George Hill end up in Philadelphia, but still could be bought out.
Hassan Whiteside, Center - Sacramento Kings
Ever since signing a max deal with the Heat a few years back, Whiteside has been a bit of an afterthought in the NBA. Now, he&rsquo;s in Sacramento and not seeing the floor too often. He&rsquo;s played in 27 games off the bench for the Kings, averaging just 14.7 minutes per game. Maybe he can be an end of the bench &ldquo;break glass in case of emergency&rdquo; big man on a team that has a roster spot available.
Gorgui Dieng, Center - Memphis Grizzlies
Dieng isn&rsquo;t going to change the equation for a team that&rsquo;s vying for a championship, but he can add a bit of frontcourt depth to a team that needs it. Dieng isn&rsquo;t very mobile, but has a reliable jumper and can protect the rim at a passable level. He&rsquo;s also a good fit in almost any locker room.
Ben McLemore, Guard - Houston Rockets
The Rockets parting ways with McLemore could mean that a contender adds a depth piece in their backcourt. While McLemore hasn&rsquo;t had a great year in Houston this is a situation that could change with a new change of scenery, or serve as an insurance policy for a team with higher-end guards.
Jeff Teague, Guard - Orlando Magic
Teague was part of the trade that sent Evan Fournier to the Boston Celtics on Thursday, and was told that he will be waived and hit the open market, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins/status/1375168932802404354?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic</a>. Teague hasn't been very effective this season in Boston, and didn't have a great year last year between Minnesota and Atlanta. It could, however, make some sense for him to head back to the Hawks after Rajon Rondo was traded away for Lou Williams. He could provide veteran leadership to the franchise that was home to his best days.&nbsp;
Otto Porter Jr., Forward - Orlando Magic
Like Teague, the Magic acquired Porter Jr. on Thursday. Porter Jr. was sent to Orlando with Wendell Carter Jr. and a pair of first-round picks for Nikola Vucevic. It's not a certainty that Porter Jr. is bought out by Orlando, but if he is there will be interest on the open market for him. He could be a wing defender off the bench for a team like Boston, Milwaukee, or Golden State if it does happen, though.&nbsp;
Jabari Parker, Forward - Sacramento Kings
Parker hasn't lived up to the expectations that come along with being the No. 2 overall pick, as he once was. He's been on the Kings this season but has played in just three games and will be released, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/mr_jasonjones/status/1375175829081059328?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic</a>. It's tough to envision Parker making an impact on a contender right now, but he could be the ultimate buy low lottery ticket for a team should he be able to stay healthy and earn playing time.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Danny Cunningham dives into who could hit the buyout market after this year's NBA trade deadline and where those players could land.

Buyout Watch: Players who may hit free agency following trade deadline

Free agent Michael Carter-Williams has agreed to a deal to return to the Orlando Magic, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the agreement between Michael Carter-Williams and <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins/status/1330152773984325643?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Magic is for two years, according to a league source</a>. There is no team option or player option for the second season. Jeff Zillgit reports <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffZillgitt/status/1330201828072501251?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he's hearing that the contract will be in the $3 million per year range</a>.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1330147561613774850?s=19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic</a>

Carter-Williams will reportedly return to Orlando on a two-year deal.