While the NBA trade deadline came and went on Thursday, that doesn’t mean teams have no way of improving their lineup. Any player that is bought out by March 1 would be playoff-eligible for a new team that they sign with. These five players already have been bought out or are expected to be bought out shortly. This list will more than likely expand before that March 1 deadline. Players such as Vince Carter, Shabazz Muhammad, Joakim Noah, and Ersan Ilyasova (just to name a few) may also become available soon.

1. Marco Belinelli

The Atlanta Hawks were unable to trade Belinelli after holding him out their last two games prior to the deadline, but they finalized a buyout with the 31-year-old (turns 32 on March 25) on Friday.

The 6-5 sharpshooter is averaging 11.4 points per game on the season which would be tied for the second-highest average of his 11-year career. He has connected on 37.7 percent of his threes (just above his career 37.2 percent mark) and is fourth in the NBA, hitting 92.7 percent of his free throws.

2. Joe Johnson

Traded from the Utah Jazz to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, all reports are that the 36-year-old Johnson will want, and receive, a buyout. Now in his 17th season, the seven-time All-Star averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 21.9 Minutes Per Game for Utah this season. He has struggled from deep though as he is shooting a career-low 27.4 percent (23-84) from behind the arc.

3. Tony Allen

The 36-year-old Allen, who was acquired via trade by the Chicago Bulls from the new orleans Pelicans last week, received a buyout on Friday. Never known as much of an offensive threat, Allen has remained in the league due to his defensive prowess and made six All-Defensive Teams during his seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.

In 22 games with New Orleans this season, the guard/forward averaged 4.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.

4. Derrick Rose

The 29-year-old Rose was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz on Thursday. It is expected that Utah will buy him out, allowing the 6"3 point guard to pick a new team of his choosing.

The oft-injured 2011 NBA MVP was averaging 9.8 points in 19.3 minutes per game for Cleveland this season in his 19 outings.

5. Brandan Wright

Reports are that the 30-year-old Wright and the Grizzlies are working towards a buyout. This is his third season playing for Memphis. Appearing in 27 games this season, the 6"10 forward has posted averages of 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 13.6 minutes per game.