NBA Contract Buyout Merry-Go-Round: A Veteran's Best Friend

Is it me, or is it too easy for veterans to move to contending teams?

Maybe I'm alone when I say the deadline should be sooner than 1 March. I'm most likely alone when I say that teams shouldn't be able to buyout players.

Cases in point:

Danny Granger

If you didn't know, Granger is no longer with the Pacers. He was recently traded to the Sixers for Evan Turner and LaVoy Allen. Well, that didn't last long, as he was bought out and didn't play a single game with Philadelphia. It seems Granger has found a new home, and it's a pretty darn good one, as well. He's reportedly signing with the Clippers, a contender in the West. This is a solid move for both him -- but still a stepback from the Pacers -- and the Clippers, as they now have more firepower from the perimeter. If only Granger worked a little harder, perhaps the Pacers wouldn't have traded him. Nah, they probably still would've.

Glen Davis

Seems like the Clips went after anyone they could get. Davis was bought out by the Orlando Magic roughly six days ago. He's a solid addition, averaging 11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Big Baby has also played under Doc before (Celtics), won a championship in 2008, and made a huge impact in 2010 when Boston fell short to the Lakers in seven.

Caron Butler

He was 'part' of the Dallas Mavericks' 2011 NBA Championship squad until he suffered a knee injury that ended his season. Mark Cuban and the Mavs didn't feel the need to resign him, so he moved on to the Clippers. There he spent two seasons, averaging 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Caron was then sent to the Bucks as part of a three-team deal. Milwuakee has now bought him out, too, and he may be headed to a title favorite: the Oklahoma City Thunder. Will this be another free ride for him, or will he stay healthy and contribute behind Kevin Durant?

Metta World Peace

This man could make any contender better. Who doesn't need a solid wing defender who plays a physical brand of basketball? 

He was recently bought out by the Knicks after being amnestied by the Lakers. Who knows where he could be going? After all, every contender could use a little World Peace.