Most of the buyouts that were going to happen in the NBA already did — if the deal wasn’t complete by Monday midnight the waived player couldn’t join the playoff roster of another team.
But there is still a buyout happening — Chase Budinger will be bought out in Indy to make room for Ty Lawson, and Budinger is likely headed to Phoenix, according to reports. The two sides have agreed to a buyout, but it has not yet been executed because the Pacers are waiting for C.J. Miles (strained calf) to get healthy and provide depth before they let Budinger loose.
Sean Deveney of the Sporting News broke the story.With the Pacers set to bring in guard Ty Lawson, who was waived by the Rockets two days ago, sources indicated to Sporting News that swingman Chase Budinger will be bought out before the start of the weekend, likely after Friday’s game....
Budinger went to the Pacers in a trade before the season, and played in 48 games, averaging 4.5 points. But when Paul George moved back from power forward to small forward, Budinger’s playing opportunity dried up. Indiana was unable to move him at the trading deadline, and because of injuries, could not complete a buyout.
Candace Buckner of the Indy Star confirms the story and has more details.
The reason behind delay because #Pacers were waiting for players to come back from injury.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) March 3, 2016
As far as Budinger’s next move, the Phoenix #Suns are a leading candidate.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) March 3, 2016
So, as I understand the agreement, buyout will be finalized after #Pacers play Hornets tomorrow night b/c team needs available players
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) March 3, 2016
Maybe Budinger can get a little run in the Valley of the Sun and try to prove he deserves another NBA contract.