The Boston Celtics Consider Buying Out

Following an unexpectedly hectic NBA Trade Deadline, the Boston Celtics found themselves back where they began: with a single roster space open. This was not a result of negligence. In order to maintain roster flexibility and in case they found the ideal player on the buyout market, they have kept the 15th spot open for the entire season.

Whether or if they absolutely must move forward is still up in the air. After returning from the All-Star break, they have played two games and won both over the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks, improving their record to 45-12, which is the best in the NBA. If they stayed put, it would make perfect sense, but that was our initial belief before they moved to add Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman.

The buyout market allows the Celtics to sign players who have been waived by other teams, even though they are no longer able to negotiate trades. Although they could do it at any time, a bought-out player’s team must waive them before March 1st in order for them to be eligible for the playoffs. The Celtics wouldn’t make a deal for a player who couldn’t help them in the postseason since they are competing for a championship.

There’s usually a lot of talk about the buyout market since possible roster moves are something that basketball fans (and writers) adore talking about. Usually, it’s all for nothing because the players who are waived aren’t likely to have a significant impact. The crop for this year appears to be quite bad

The buyout market allows the Celtics to sign players who have been waived by other teams, even though they are no longer able to negotiate trades. Although they could do it at any time, a bought-out player’s team must waive them before March 1st in order for them to be eligible for the playoffs. The Celtics wouldn’t make a deal for a player who couldn’t help them in the postseason since they are competing for a championship.

There’s usually a lot of talk about the buyout market since possible roster moves are something that basketball fans (and writers) adore talking about. Usually, it’s all for nothing because the players who are waived aren’t likely to have a significant impact. The crop for this year appears to be quite bad with not a lot of huge names out there. Some of the bigger names that have remained unclaimed include Victor Oladipo, Joe Harris, Cory Joseph and Killian Hayes.

However, there may be more captivating role actors in the future. For example, center Robin Lopez is anticipated to be waived by the Sacramento Kings. The most intriguing claim is that Otto Porter Jr. is apparently being considered by the Utah Jazz for release in order to join a competing team.

Even though he was never a star, the former No. 3 pick has been a solid role player when healthy and is shooting 34.8% from three this season. Additionally, clubs that are interested in winning championships would like to have him as a veteran presence as they approach the postseason.

If that seems a little lackluster, it’s precisely why debate of buyouts usually consists of nothing more than noise and vitriol. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports observes that although it has emerged as the most talked-about item in the post-trade deadline scene, the majority of players on the market are “players other teams pay to go away.”

But it’s not unheard of for a castoff player to have a significant impact on a team. After being dismissed by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2012, Boris Diaw was acquired by the San Antonio Spurs. He played for the Spurs for a couple more seasons, contributing to their 2014 championship run.

It is unlikely that Boston would be able to locate their own Diaw this year given the few options available. However, it didn’t appear that the Celtics had any business dealing at the trade deadline. It appears like general manager Brad Stevens can make moves that nobody else anticipated coming, and perhaps there will be more in the near future.