Top buyout candidates after the NBA trade deadline

Dewayne Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon is a seven-foot center for the Hawks. At age 29, he is having a career year. At a cap hit of $7.2M, Dedmon is averaging better than ten points, seven rebounds and an assist per game. On the second year of his two-year contract, Dedmon is prime to be bought out.

The Raptors would be interested in Dedmon’s impressive defensive ability. He is one of the toughest players in the association to confront in the paint. He is also going to get on the glass and pick up the difficult rebounds. With his size and strength, opponents have a tough time matching up near the rim.

Out of the paint, Dedmon is a different player. He does not have much finesse to his dribble and is limited to getting most of his points close to the bucket. He is not likely to ever create his own shot. If he were to play with the Raps, they could expect him to make the occasional three-ball to go along with his dunks, layups, and putbacks.

Toronto’s trade for Marc Gasol makes this much less likely. Dedmon probably would not want to play behind both Gasol and Serge Ibaka. If bought out, he may be more apt to join a team in greater need of a center. However, Toronto should give Dedmon a call for insurance purposes, if nothing else.