Steve Novak will likely be bought out by the Nuggets, Marc Stein of ESPN reports.

Novak will likely be bought out by the Nuggets, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Novak was traded to the Nuggets on Thursday in a deal that brought Randy Foye to the Thunder, but the veteran was simply a throw-in in the trade and isn't considered a worthy roster option for his new team. A buyout of his contract would allow Novak to sign on with a new team -- likely a contender -- as the 32-year-old has expressed his desire to join a playoff-caliber club. Of course, another team would have to agree to take open up a roster spot for Novak, but there figures to be interest given his reputation as a sharpshooter and solid teammate. Per league rules, Novak would have to be bought out before March 1 to be playoff-eligible.