“Boston is going to pick off whoever they want on the buyout market,” said an anonymous source to Celtics Blog’s Keith Smith regarding the team’s plans for team building beyond the 2023 NBA trade deadline. “They have money and minutes. And they’re a title contender. That checks all the boxes.”
With the $3.2 million disabled player exception available to be used to sign a player in the last year of his deal or a free agent, the Boston Celtics will be able to offer more salary than most other teams, as well as being a contender with some real needs to be filled.
The league awaits potential buyout options that could hit the market soon that might be up the Celtics’ alley — let’s dive into some of the better options out there.
Trust us, there’s more to this story. https://t.co/1JxiufUEQz
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 7, 2023
Jae Crowder - forward - Phoenix Suns
This one has so many “ifs” involved, we do not expect it to come to pass given Crowder would need to come to terms with his club and then the Boston alum would also need to want to go to a team with a role likely smaller than the Marquette alum is looking for.
But in the unlikely case that Crowder would be open to such a situation, the need for depth on the wing able to play into the postseason is an otherwise good fit.
We want to stress we think this one won’t break Boston’s way — but it wouldn’t be the wildest Celtics reunion of late.
Mason Plumlee - center - Charlotte Hornets
Plumlee would be an ideal minute-eater in the regular season who can at least play spot minutes in the postseason even though he is not the best fit for the Celtics’ style of play.
His current deal may be too big for a ball club to pony up matching salary for given what the Duke alum brings to the table in today’s NBA, but if no one nibbles at Plumlee’s deal, this could make a lot of sense for Boston.
Even still, there may be better fits for frontcourt depth available as a buyout for the Celtics to consider.
Nerlens Noel - center - Detroit Pistons
There had been some speculation that the Celtics might want to trade for the Massachusetts native after reports surfaced the team had been asking after Noel.
But another high-salary big with minimal offensive output at this stage in his career proved too costly for Boston to spring for, as it seems was the case around the league.
It’s not a given Noel will be bought out this season, but if he were, his defensive skills would be a solid depth option to eat minutes with limited postseason potential.
Terrence Ross - guard - Orlando Magic
There has been speculation Ross will be bought out, and if he is, a significant portion of the Celtics’ fanbase will be excited about adding the Celtics killer to Boston’s roster.
Shooting 38.1% from deep this season, the Washington alum could be a solid option off of the bench for microwave scoring.
As with all of the prospects discussed here, the Celtics will need to be the team Ross elects, but with all we’ve noted in their corner already, they have as good of a shot as anyone of landing the 10-year vet should he get bought out.
Will Barton - wing - Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards wing Will Barton is in a similar situation to Ross with his ball club but might be an even more likely option for the Celtics to snatch up as a buyout guy given rumbles of mutual interest.
The 32-year-old, 6-foot-6 shooting guard and forward may not be able to defend like he once could but still knocks down distance shots at a 37% rate this season.
Maybe the best option the Celtics have a solid shot at signing assuming the Wiz decide to cut him loose, keep an eye out for Barton in the coming days and weeks.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
