NBA Buyout Market Roundup: Suns Waive Cole Anthony; Nuggets and Spurs Show Interest in Middleton

On February 28th Beijing time, with the trade deadline passed, the buyout market has become the primary method for NBA teams to make further roster improvements. Here is a summary of updates on several relevant players—

Cole Anthony

Renowned reporter Shams Charania reports that the Phoenix Suns have waived Cole Anthony.

After being acquired by the Suns at this month's trade deadline, Anthony's situation had remained uncertain. Although he was still on the Suns' 15-man roster, he had already departed from the team. Reports prior to the All-Star break indicated Anthony was highly likely to be waived, and this move has now finally occurred. Team reporter Rankin reported that Suns coach Out, speaking on Friday, suggested the prolonged uncertainty might be related to the team's lack of backcourt depth.

At the time, when discussing Anthony's situation, Out said: "It's still the same as before, not much has changed. But the team has encountered injury issues, that's the current reality. So things are neither finalized nor completely off the table. We will continue communicating with his representatives to move the process forward."

Another team reporter, Gambadoro, revealed that the Suns will begin a four-day break starting Saturday. Booker (hip strain) is likely to return after this rest period, potentially playing either Wednesday against the Kings or Friday against the Bulls. If the Suns are confident in Booker's recovery, Anthony could be waived by or before next Monday—which is also the final deadline for a waived player to be eligible to play for a new team in the playoffs.

After waiving Anthony, the Suns will open a roster spot to promote two-way contract player Jamaree Bouyea to the standard roster. The team can then fill Bouyea's vacated two-way slot before next Thursday's deadline for signing two-way contracts.

Khris Middleton

Reporter Siegel reports that besides the Nuggets, the Spurs also have interest in Mavericks forward Khris Middleton. The Mavericks have reportedly given Middleton a choice: either negotiate a buyout or remain with the team for the rest of the season. He is expected to make a decision within 48 hours.

Lonzo Ball

Siegel also stated that after Lonzo Ball was waived earlier this month, teams like the Warriors and Nuggets showed some interest. However, due to concerns about his knee injury, these potential suitors have not progressed further with a signing. There is currently no substantive movement in that direction.

D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell, who was sent to the Wizards in the Anthony Davis trade, does not need to report to Washington and is viewed as a potential buyout candidate. However, Siegel indicates that league-wide interest in the point guard is minimal. Russell's contract includes a $5.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season. If the Wizards pursue a buyout, they would likely want to eliminate or significantly reduce this obligation. Russell, without securing another desirable contract first, is unlikely to willingly give up this guaranteed salary. Reports suggest Russell may ultimately simply remain with the Wizards to finish the season.

Chris Boucher

Siegel also mentioned that many around the league believe Chris Boucher, who was waived by the Jazz earlier this month, hopes to return to the Raptors. However, it remains unclear if the Raptors share that interest.