Top 5 buyout candidates

The trade deadline always brings about plenty of excitement, but oftentimes contenders are frozen out of the action. Most teams with championship aspirations are often capped out as their resources are tied up in quality rotation pieces.

That leaves what follows after the trade deadline - a plethora of veteran buyouts - as the avenue for improvement. Here are the top five buyout candidates.

5. Marcus Thornton

It seems like ages ago, but Boston Celtics shooting guard Marcus Thornton averaged 18.7 points in 2011-12.

Thornton has been in decline ever since, as the offensively oriented guard is averaging just 8.9 points this season. Given that the Celtics are trying to open up playing time in their backcourt to allow young prospects to develop, waiving Thornton's $8.6-million deal seems likely.

Despite his game slipping, Thornton can - occasionally - still be useful as a gunner off the bench. He's connected on 41.9 percent of his 3-point tries this season and, if used correctly, can be a useful scorer.

4. Tayshaun Prince

When the Celtics acquired swingman Tayshaun Prince in a three-team trade in January, it was thought he would be waived as the 34-year-old veteran had no place on a rebuilding team.

However, the Celtics have continued to retain Prince and the veteran has been surprisingly solid, averaging 8.4 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 55.9 percent from the field.

But ultimately, Boston will have little choice but to waive Prince, as no contender is likely willing to take on his $7.7-million salary. When that happens, Prince will be a reliable wing defender available at the minimum.

3. Amar'e Stoudemire

Now that Stoudemire has secured his buyout from the New York Knicks, he's free to sign where he pleases. A number of contenders are reportedly interested.

Stoudemire would be a fine addition for a number of contenders. He's still a turnstile on defense and is barely clinging to what used to be boundless amounts of athleticism, but the crafty veteran can still score. Stoudemire is averaging 12 points on 54.3 percent shooting, including a respectable 62 percent around the rim.

2. Andrei Kirilenko

When the Brooklyn Nets traded Andrei Kirilenko to the Philadelphia 76ers in a salary dump early in the season, it was believed the Sixers would do the veteran a solid and buy him out.

Instead, Kirilenko has opted to play no-show, while the Sixers hold Kirilenko to his contract.

Ultimately, the Sixers will eventually relent and free Kirilenko from his obligations. When that happens, the versatile 33 year old will be free to join a contending team in need of solid wing defense and heady passing.

1. Carlos Boozer

While the Los Angeles Lakers have toiled through one of their worst seasons in franchise history, power forward Carlos Boozer has been quietly consistent, chugging along with 12.5 points and seven rebounds in 24.8 minutes.

Boozer has never been much of a defender and isn't a great bet on post ups, but hes maintained his touch. Boozer is shooting 42.4 percent on midrange jump shots and is shooting 51.6 percent from the field as a whole. There's value to be had with a veteran pick-and-pop artist.