At the time of this writing, the Boston Celtics have an open roster spot and could look to add another player ahead of the postseason. That may mean signing an existing free agent or adding a player who accepts a contract buyout in the next few days and weeks. As such, one name to monitor might be Utah Jazz veteran Otto Porter Jr.
Porter joined the Jazz at the trade deadline of this year, and according to the Athletic’s Tony Jones, Utah is giving the 30-year-old time to evaluate his options. The Jazz are unlikely to make a run at a playoff berth, and a contract buyout would allow Porter a chance to join a contender before the regular season ends.
The Celtics are considering their own options. After adding Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer, could Boston prioritize bringing in an experience player to round out the roster?
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 22, 2024
Porter has been in the league since he was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2013 draft. Since then, he’s been a sturdy role player, and helped the Golden State Warriors defeat the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.
The following year, however, Porter suffered a toe injury and underwent season-ending surgery. During the 2023-24 campaign, Porter has seen limited playing time, though he is shooting a serviceable 34.8% on 3-pointers. Not for nothing, he’s also a St. Louis native.
Trading for Porter at the deadline didn’t make much sense for Boston. But as a buyout candidate, he’s a low-risk addition with good experience to offer. If the Celtics are prioritizing veteran wings, he may be the right pick.
Celtics take two big man and a guard in latest Bleacher Report 2024 mock draft https://t.co/VPHFxnDDE3 pic.twitter.com/avMpG1ITQO
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 22, 2024
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