While the Celtics were a tight-knit group throughout their championship season, they did have a few roster tweaks midway through the year. The C’s bolstered their roster with some depth at the trade deadline, but that also meant saying goodbye to teammates.
But those guys like Lamar Stevens and Dalano Banton found success with their new teams. Banton was traded to the Trail Blazers and almost immediately made an impact with a rebuilding team. Stevens was in a similar situation as the Grizzlies had plenty of available minutes.
As of now, the Celtics have 14 of their 15 standard roster spots filled. They also have all three two-way slots accounted for. It sounds like they’re going to enter the season with that 15th roster spot open unless injuries or other factors slim the team’s depth.
Here’s a roundup of some former Celtics from last season and how they’re faring with new teams or uncertain futures:
Dalano Banton, Trail Blazers
Banton originally signed with the Celtics last summer on a two-year deal, with the second year being a team option. After averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30 games (eight starts) for the Blazers, the team picked up the option on his contract for a second season. The Blazers are still in rebuild mode, so Banton has a chance to continue being a contributor.
Lamar Stevens, free agent
Stevens also had an outsized impact with the Grizzlies as there were plenty of minutes available on an injury-riddled team. Stevens put up averages of 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19 games (two starts) for the Grizzlies. Stevens has yet to find a new team, though, as he’s still a free agent.
Svi Mykhailiuk, Jazz
Mykhailiuk was interestingly the first former Celtics player to sign with a new team this summer. That’s because the C’s bring back virtually their same roster as the title team. Mykhailiuk was rewarded for his work last season, signing a four-year deal with the Jazz. Mykhailiuk averaged 4.0 points and 1.2 rebounds in 41 games (two starts) for the C’s last season.
Oshae Brissett, free agent
Brissett was well-liked in the locker room as he was a valuable vibes guy for the team. Brissett has alluded to a potential C’s return, though all indications point to how he wants more playing time at this point in his career. Brissett is still a free agent at this point as he looks for his next team. The forward averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 55 games (one start) for the Celtics.
