Yossi Gozlan claims that players making more than the $12.5 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception are unable to join with teams that pay more than the first tax apron because of the CBA. These teams are the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks.

Italicized names of players who reach certain thresholds are listed below. They are free to sign with another group of teams. Before March 1st, all players need to be signed by a team in order to be eligible to play in the postseason.

If not, let’s examine some of the most illustrious names to surface:

STATUS: Lakers signed him.

Dennis Schroder was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie. Shams Charania claims that the veteran guard will be “coveted” by multiple playoff teams after the Raptors decide to release him.

Beyond the first tax apron, Dinwiddie is not allowed to sign with any team.

Status: Hornets waived, and 76ers expected to sign

The six-time NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry is arguably the biggest name that could be available on the buyout market.

In return for Terry Rozier, the Miami Heat received the 2019 NBA champion in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry hasn’t participated in a Charlotte game as of yet.

More information from Matt Moore (via The Action Network) is as follows:

With buyouts potentially occurring after Thursday’s deadline, all eyes will be on Charlotte. There is doubt that the franchise will honor Gordon Hayward’s or Kyle Lowry’s remaining contracts, and there have been hints that neither player is willing to fork over cash for a buyout. If they do, though, Lowry has waiting interest from the Sixers and Lakers.

Although Hayward was dealt by the Hornets to the Thunder, Lowry is still a possible buyout target. In particular, he makes sense as a Philadelphia candidate.

There would be no team above the first tax apron that Lowry could sign with.