“We are looking to trade at least one of them”: Celtics coach highlights 5-post trade deadline buyout targets been monitored and vows to buy at least one of them [Full story link in comment]
The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA, but their focus is winning the championship. They reached the finals in 2022 and have made the conference finals five times in the last seven years, but have been unable to hang banner number 18. Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the world, and Boston remade their roster in the offseason. They added Xavier Tillman and made a few minor trades, but could use one more piece to push them over the top.
The trade deadline passed on Feb. 8, so the only way to add talent before the playoffs is via free agency. It is time for the buyout market. Veterans players will agree to take less money to become free agents. The new CBA limits teams over the first tax apron, like the Celtics, from signing anyone who made more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $12.4 million before their buyout.
Boston still could have several options, and Brad Stevens will act quickly. They would love to have one more reserve to turn to in the playoffs, and these players could join the Celtics on minimum contracts via the buyout market.
5. Thaddeus Young
Young was out of the rotation to begin the season, but the Raptors traded Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, which opened up minutes for the veteran. He is averaging 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 21.5 minutes per game over his last 14 contests. He was traded to Brooklyn on deadline day, but the 35-year-old is a 6’8 forward with plenty of versatility.
Young is on an $8.0 million expiring contract, and the Nets are unlikely to make a run. The veteran could be quickly bought out to join a contender. He has played in the playoffs nine times in 16 years, but his team has never advanced beyond the second round. Young would love a shot at his first championship, and there is no better place to chase it than Boston.
The Celtics have been searching for a trusted forward capable of playing behind Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and new addition Xavier Tillman. Thaddeus Young allows Boston to go small if they choose in the playoffs. He could be an impactful addition, but Young is not the only player the Celtics will have their eyes on.
4. Seth Curry
Curry was traded by the Mavericks to Charlotte in the P.J. Washington deal. The veteran guard is an elite shooter but struggled to find minutes this season. Dallas has Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, but Curry has proven he can make shots in the playoffs.
The 33-year-old signed a two-year $8 million contract with the Mavericks in the 2023 offseason, but the second season is non-guaranteed. The rebuilding Hornets have little use for a veteran backup guard, so Curry will likely be bought out.
The Celtics are searching for playoff options. Seth Curry’s 43.2 percent career 3-point percentage is the seventh-highest in NBA history. He shot over 50 percent from three in the 2021 and 2022 playoffs. The 6’1 guard will sink open shots and force the defense to guard him. Boston could use another shooter on the bench for when the games matter most.
Seth Curry has struggled to stay healthy and has defensive issues. He may not be the perfect fit or a piece of the nightly rotation, but the veteran can help in the right role and situation. Boston may opt for more size on the wing, but finding someone capable of making an impact on the buyout market won’t be easy.
3. Cedi Osman
The Celtics signed several wings this summer, but none of them have worked as planned. Boston would love to find a trusted option behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown capable of guarding multiple positions and sinking open shots. They do not need a star or starter just someone who is comfortable playing 20 minutes per game and standing out in their role.
Osman is a career 35.5 percent 3-point shooter with the size to guard two through four. The 6’7 wing was part of the Cavaliers playoff rotation last season and is in the middle of his prime. He is playing 18.1 minutes per game this season for the Spurs, but San Antonio is still rebuilding. They have zero reason to keep Osman.
The Celtics would love to find another wing for depth. Boston may have to mix and match in the playoffs, especially if they have to deal with an injury. Cedi Osman is a veteran capable of playing a role and helping his team win. He is not going to blow anyone away with his production, but Boston just needs a steady role player.
If the Celtics cannot convince him to come to Boston, they could pivot to secondary ball-handlers. Two role-playing guards could be available to boost the franchise.
2. Delon Wright
The Wizards are just starting a rebuild and have zero use for a 31-year-old point guard. He has struggled this season as his minutes and production have dipped. Wright is averaging 4.4 points, 2.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 15.2 minutes per game. He is shooting just 38.6 percent from the field but could be a fantastic fit in Boston.
The Celtics have the best defensive backcourt in the NBA in Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Wright would give them a rangy 6’5 guard to back them up capable of playing stout defense, hitting open shots, and making a few plays. Boston is worried about Payton Pritchard’s defense in the playoffs, but Wright holds his own and can defend multiple positions.
The 31-year-old has made five trips to the playoffs and is capable of giving his team 20 quality minutes every night. That is all Boston needs coming off the bench. Wright may not be a game-changer, but the Celtics do not need one. They have the best top six in the NBA. The franchise is searching for quality role players to enhance their top-end talent.
The Boston Celtics could search for a guard or another wing to round out their roster. A former player may be the best available option for the franchise.
1. Danilo Gallinari
The Celtics signed Gallinari in the 2022 offseason, but he never played for the franchise. The veteran forward tore his ACL and missed the entire season. Boston traded him in June 2023 as part of the deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. Gallo was traded again in mid-January, which makes him eligible to sign with Boston if he gets bought out.
The 6’10 forward has barely missed a shot since joining the Pistons. He is averaging 10.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game over five contests, while shooting 52.4 percent from the field and 58.3 percent on his 3-point attempts. Gallo is a professional scorer who will get buckets.
He helped his team reach the playoffs in his last four healthy seasons, but the 35-year-old is still chasing his first championship. He would welcome a buyout and a chance to chase a championship. His $6.8 million expiring salary makes him free to sign with any team if he gets let go.
Will the Boston Celtics make a splash on the buyout market? They want to improve their roster and win a championship this season. Expect Brad Stevens and the front office to add if they believe the player helps them accomplish their goals.