The buyout is one way for NBA playoff teams to fortify their teams if they failed to execute a trade.
Since the Miami Heat does not have a luxury of tradable assets, they were not able to snag some of the wingmen that they were rumored to be pursuing. Fortunately, the buyouts could yield some serviceable veterans that could make a difference come playoff time.
Joe Johnson, the league's second highest paid player, was already signed by the Heat but there are rumblings that they also want to being Marcus Thornton so South Beach, according o Sir Charles in Charge.
"With Johnson already set to join the Heat at some point over the next few days, the Heat could be in the market for another buyout candidate - Marcus Thornton," SCIC wrote.
It should be noted that the Heat already had interest in Thornton during the last off season. They were in search for back-up veteran shooting guards to support Dwyane Wade as they slowly reduce his minutes. Miami ended up signing Gerald Green.
Green came off from a resurgent stint with the Phoenix Suns and the Heat hoped that the slam dunk champion would have more to offer. However, Green did not seem to meet their expectations.
The Heat were lucky to get another chance after Thornton was traded to the Detroit Pistons. The trade was rescinded because another vital piece, Donatas Motiejunas, failed the health requirements.
Thornton would be the "ideal signee" for the Heat as he has shown to have a consistent three-point shot and Miami is one of the teams lagging behind in what is now a very important statistic.
Hoops Habit corroborated the rumor but they were not as optimistic as Sir Charles In Charge. Thornton would like to grab this opportunity to get in the spotlight, as he has been in the shadow of James Harden. If he chooses Miami, he will play behind Dwyane Wade, another superstar guard and perhaps Joe Johnson.
"How much Thornton will see the court will probably be a deciding factor in where he decides to sign," HH wrote. "Earlier in the season, Thornton was vocal about his displeasure in how he was being used. His minutes were up and down all season, so some consistency in playing time is something he will be looking for at his next stop."
Thornton could choose a team which could have the intention of signing him long-term and not just a filler for the playoffs.