Celtics Emerge As Preferred Destination For Free Agent Big Man

The Boston Celtics may have found their next diamond in the rough. As the 2024 champions look to bolster their frontcourt depth for the upcoming season, an intriguing candidate has emerged.

According to Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog, free agent big Charles Bassey is no longer planning to play overseas — and “would especially love to sign with the Celtics if the opportunity presented itself.”

Bassey’s Boston Dreams Remain Alive

The Nigerian center was drafted 53rd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021, appearing in 113 NBA games across four seasons. His most recent stint with the San Antonio Spurs showed flashes of promise. He posted strong per-36-minute averages of 15.0 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks before suffering an MCL injury that cut his season short.

Bassey also impressed during Boston’s Summer League campaign, averaging 15.3 points and 11 rebounds over three games. Though he briefly considered a deal with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, league sources say he’s now fully focused on remaining in the NBA — with Boston at the top of his list.

“It’s just the culture,” Bassey said after his Summer League debut, when asked what drew him to the Celtics.

 

Charles Bassey explains he was a last-minute Summer League roster addition, and tells @JackSimoneNBA what drew him to the Celtics:

“The culture.” pic.twitter.com/dzklVGLe8j

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) July 11, 2025

Celtics’ Roster Situation & Financial Constraints

The path to a reunion isn’t straightforward. Following the release of JD Davison, the Celtics have one open roster spot — but filling it would push them back over the second apron, a cap penalty that team president Brad Stevens has worked hard to avoid.

Boston has already traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis this offseason to gain financial flexibility. But despite the constraints, there’s real interest in bringing Bassey back.

“Considering he got added to our team so late, this was an awesome run for him,” a Celtics executive told Spotrac. “We’d love to keep working with Charles and see if we can make something work.”

Bassey Addresses a Clear Need for the Celtics

With Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman the only true frontcourt options currently on the roster, Boston still needs size, rim protection, and rebounding. That’s exactly what Bassey brings.

Summer League coach Matt Reynolds summed it up best:

“It was just clear that guy could make an impact. I think he was huge for us.”

Looking Forward

Bassey has made his intentions clear — he wants to remain in the NBA, and Boston is his preferred destination. Whether the Celtics can make the financial math work is the biggest obstacle. But after his strong Summer League showing and clear fit on the roster, Bassey may have done just enough to earn one more shot in Celtic green.