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Update, 4:40pm: Corey Brewer has chosen to join Oklahoma City for the stretch run.
The Los Angeles Lakers parted way with veteran swingman Corey Brewer in a buyout today. As reported by Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, Brewer is expected to listen to offers from teams bound for the 2018 NBA Playoffs. According to Charania, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be the strongest early contenders, but the Portland Trail Blazers are on the list of possible suitors.
[H]e will speak to all interested teams after being placed on waivers, league sources said. Cleveland, Portland and Milwaukee are among other teams interested in Brewer, league sources said.
Sam Amick of USA Today adds:
Corey Brewer expected to take his time in deciding his next spot after his Lakers buyout, I’m told. Cavs, Wizards, Portland, Bucks have shown some interest already, but Corey wants a legit role.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 28, 2018
The 31-year-old wing player has appeared in 54 games this season, averaging 3.7 points on 45.3% shooting from the field, but only 18.6% from the three-point arc, playing 12.9 minutes per game. He holds career averages of 8.8 points, 42.4% shooting, and 28.0% from distance.
Unless a team claims his $7.6 million contract wholesale, Brewer will need to clear waivers before signing with another organization. That process takes 48 hours. Players who are bought out before March 1st are eligible to join playoff rosters.
The Blazers have no room under the salary cap but NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement rules allow teams to sign league-minimum-level contracts regardless of cap status. The minimum contract amount would be pro-rated for the remainder of the season, making for a low-cost signing.