The Celtics do have limitations in terms of who they can sign on the buyout market. Boston is above the second apron so they aren’t allowed to sign players that were making more than the non-taxpayer midlevel exception ($12.9 million) when they were bought out.
That limits some of the pool of players that could interest Boston in the coming weeks but there are still some names worth taking a look at. While the buyout market will develop more in the coming days, let’s examine six players who could be on the Celtics radar if they part ways with their current team:
P.J. Tucker, Raptors, F: The 39-year-old forward has not played this year after being away from the Clippers per mutual agreement since February 2024. He’s already been traded twice at the trade deadline to the Jazz and Raptors (via Miami) and it’s safe to say Toronto will be happy to save a few bucks on buying him out.
Whether the Celtics and Tucker would have any interest in each option depends on Tucker’s feelings about playing time. He would have none guaranteed in Boston outside of nights the Celtics are without their top bigs. As an insurance policy/shooting upgrade on Xavier Tillman, he could be an option. However, if Tucker is looking for more opportunity, he’s probably going elsewhere.
Torrey Craig, Bulls, F (already waived): The veteran wing was a casualty of a roster crunch after the Zach LaVine three-team trade forced the Bulls to open up some roster spots. Craig, 34, had not played since December 30th due to an ankle injury but had been approaching a return date prior to his release.
At 6-foot-5, Craig is a wing with a respectable 3-point shot, having shot 39 percent from beyond the arc during his last three seasons in Chicago and Phoenix. He’s also played in 75 playoff games since 2018, making him somewhat battle tested. He wouldn’t crack Boston’s rotation but would certainly be an upgrade over Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman as a depth option in the regular season for Joe Mazzulla. Craig is likely to have other suitors though that could offer more playing time.
Lonnie Walker, G, free agent: The preseason cut has been playing with Zalgiris Kaunas overseas but the door is still open for him to return to the NBA. He negotiated a $450,000 NBA buyout in his contract if a team elects to bring him in before February 18.
The Celtics would be just one of several suitors for the 26-year-old guard in all likelihood on the buyout market but familiarity with the organization could give Boston a leg up on the competition.
Daniel Theis, C, Thunder (already waived): The Pelicans sent him to the Thunder in order to dodge the luxury tax but the Thunder are satisfied with their big man situation so they let him go. Theis has plenty of ties with Boston but unless the Celtics view him as an upgrade over Xavier Tillman, not sure a reunion would be in play here. Theis could also be looking for more playing time elsewhere at this stage of his career, although it’s unclear yet how much would be available for him with a playoff team. He would likely be behind Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta on the depth chart here but does have a more reliable perimeter jumper than Tillman.
PROBABLY NOT FITS
Reggie Jackson, G Wizards (already waived): Jackson isn’t a likely option considering the Celtics don’t need another point guard. Jackson is shifty, but at this point in his career, he’s not a difference-maker for a playoff team. He wasn’t relied upon much in Philadelphia this season, playing in 31 games before getting dealt to open up a roster. He’s had a nice career, but the Boston College product doesn’t check many boxes for the Celtics beyond some extra depth at a position where the Celtics are already very deep.
Mo Bamba, C, Jazz (already waived): Bamba is another player who doesn’t make much sense for the Celtics depth chart. He’s got great size as a 7-footer, but the Celtics have three of those guys already on their roster. Bamba averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 28 games for the Clippers before getting dealt. It’s difficult to see Bamba making a meaningful impact considering the C’s already have multiple big men options who are proven contributors on the bench in Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta.
