5 Sleeper NBA Players Who Might Earn Second Shot With Title Contenders After Trade Deadline Waivers

The 2025-26 NBA trade deadline has passed, and it left several talented players on the market. Nearly every team was involved in a trade or two, but the transaction season is not over yet. The teams’ attention will now shift to the buyout market.

Several players were either bought out or waived following the transactions at the trade deadline. Teams make these moves either because of a mutual decision with the player or because he doesn’t fit with the team’s goals.

Several contending teams look into the buyout market to search for a player they hope will make a difference in the postseason. Here are five players who we think could help a contending team’s playoff run.

Five NBA players who contenders might sign

#1 Cam Thomas

Moments after the trade deadline passed, the Brooklyn Nets waived Cam Thomas, making him arguably the most attractive player on the buyout market. Thomas is averaging 15.6 points and 3.1 assists in 24 games this season. The 24-year-old guard will be on the radar of teams looking for a spark off the bench.

Thomas, who was in several rumors leading up to the trade deadline, is now expected to field interest from many teams.

#2 Mike Conley

Veteran guard Mike Conley was traded a couple of times at the deadline before being waived. The Minnesota Timberwolves first sent him to the Chicago Bulls before landing with the Charlotte Hornets as part of the Coby White trade.

There is speculation that Conley could return to Minnesota, as they value the 38-year-old’s veteran presence. Teams like the Denver Nuggets could also be interested in adding Conley as a backup point guard.

#3 Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton was part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. With the Dallas Mavericks looking to build around Cooper Flagg, Middleton is likely a buyout candidate. It doesn’t make sense for Dallas to keep the veteran wing.

Middleton, who won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, could still aid a contending team. The 34-year-old forward could still play meaningful minutes off the bench. He is averaging 10.3 ppg in 24.3 minutes for the 13-36 Wizards.

#4 Haywood Highsmith

Aside from Thomas, the Nets also waived forward Haywood Highsmith, who hasn’t played this season due to his recovery from a left knee injury in the offseason. Contending teams looking for a solid backup wing, like the LA Lakers, could be interested in Highsmith.

At 6-foot-5, he is a quality perimeter defender and was a key rotational piece for the Miami Heat in the past two seasons. Highsmith averaged 6.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg on 45.8% shooting, including 38.2% from 3-point range, in 74 games during the 2024-25 season.

#5 Chris Paul

Chris Paul announced that the 2025-26 season will be his last. After being away from the LA Clippers since December, Paul was finally shipped to the Toronto Raptors as part of a three-team deal. Moments after being traded, reports emerged that Paul is not expected to “report to the team,” paving the way for a possible buyout.

The future Hall of Famer would undoubtedly help a team in the playoffs. He might not contribute on the court, but his veteran presence at the end of the bench could interest contending teams.