With Boston’s contending window potentially being at its peak this year with this core, the Celtics will want to ensure they make it through the regular season healthy and well rested. Adding some reinforcements could be crucial in that goal over the final two months.
One expected area of need is wing depth, particularly if Springer ends up heading out the door on Thursday. Boston could ultimately fill this hole on the buyout market in the coming weeks but there are a few names to key an eye on in the coming weeks. Let’s take a look at some options. There is also a real possibility the Celtics could turn to buyout market for options if they are intrigued with the price tags on any of these options.
Solid depth options
Javonte Green, G/F Pelicans: A familiar face who has played a major role this season in New Orleans amid a host of injuries. Green is a questionable shooter but he’s improved since leaving Boston in luxury tax dump at the trade deadline in 2021. He could be a cheaper, better shooting version of Jaden Springer while making the minimum. Close friend Jayson Tatum would surely welcome help back with open arms.
Projected cost: Second-round pick(s)?
Julian Champagnie, G/F Spurs: Not to be confused with former Celtic Justin Champagnie, this wing is the better version of the duo. He’s on a great value deal for the next few years, making him a long shot to be available for San Antonio. Still, this is a call that’s worth making for the Celtics if Champagnie is going to be pushed down the depth chart at all amid the Spurs other acquisitions.
Projected cost: First-round pick (if available)
Eric Gordon, G, 76ers: The 76ers are getting back some reinforcements in their lineup this week but they could still be in sell mode at the trade deadline amid a disastrous start to the season. They won’t be touching their core pieces in all likelihood but some of their bargain basement signings could be available to rebuild some draft assets. Gordon is very much on the back nine but he can still shoot the 3 ball well and would be a useful depth option as a wing behind Hauser.
Projected cost: Second-round pick(s)
Alec Burks, G, Heat: It’s been a nightmare season in Miami amid the Jimmy Butler drama and the Heat are also deep in the luxury tax. Burks has been in and out of the rotation down there but would certainly be available for any draft pick. He’s a defensive liability at this point but is a veteran option that can still shoot well and create if the team gets in a pinch with injuries.
Projected cost: Second-round pick
Garrison Matthews, G, Hawks: The sharpshooter had a cup of coffee with the Celtics during the preseason a few years back before he was one of the final roster cuts. He’s carved out a solid career for himself then in stints with the Rockets and now Hawks. A legitimate sharpshooter who is a weak spot defensively could be a nice weapon to have on nights Boston is without a starter in the backcourt. Probably not a part of the Hawks’ long-term plans so he could likely be had for the right price.
Projected cost: Second-round picks
Probably better off targeting a buyout/free agent option
Delon Wright, G, Bucks: He was an unexpected shooting weapon for the Heat last year in the first round against Boston but that production has largely flamed out with the Bucks this year. He’s fallen out of the rotation of late and if Milwaukee is looking to add to their roster this week, he could be a roster casualty. Unclear how much he has left in the tank at age 32 but he’s certainly more proven than alternatives on the Celtics bench.
Projected cost: Late second-round pick
Lindy Waters, F, Warriors: A defense first guy that teams don’t really guard on the perimeter. Could be a cheap replacement for Springer but young enough where the Warriors probably don’t want to give him away.
Doug McDermott, F, Kings: An older, less effective version of Sam Hauser. Not really playable in the playoffs at this point but could soak up regular season minutes in a pinch.
Cam Reddish, F, Lakers: The veteran has underwhelmed throughout his entire NBA career. He had a stint in the starting five at one point this year but now sits outside of JJ Redick’s rotation. A better offensive game than Springer but still a questionable shooter. Not a promising defender.
