Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Tyreke Evans

By Jeremy Lambert

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans /
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MEMPHIS, OH – DECEMBER 16: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes for a lay up against the Boston Celtics on December 16, 2017 at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, OH – DECEMBER 16: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes for a lay up against the Boston Celtics on December 16, 2017 at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Boston Celtics

The Celtics were the top suitor for Evans at the trade deadline. They were unwilling to part with a first-round pick for the guard, but can circle back in the offseason. Their interest in Evans at the deadline made sense. Terry Rozier was just Terry and Evans represented insurance as Kyrie Irving’s backup.

With Rozier morphing into Scary Terry in the playoffs, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum emerging, and Gordon Hayward and Irving coming back, Evans may not be needed in Boston. However, the potential loss of Marcus Smart could leave a hole in their bench backcourt. A hole that would be the perfect size for Evans to fill.

Evans has been in the league for nine seasons. He’s played a grand total of four playoff games.  Signing with the Celtics not only guarantees him a playoff series, it gives him a chance to compete for a title. If LeBron James goes West, the only thing standing between the Celtics and the NBA Finals is health. Sorry, Philly and Toronto fans.

His fit in Boston largely depends on Smart. If the tenacious defender re-signs with Boston, there wouldn’t be much room for Evans in the backcourt. It shouldn’t be ruled out because Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens will need as much firepower at their disposal to dethrone to the Golden State Warriors, but it becomes less likely. But if Smart cashes in from another team and leaves Boston, Evans easily slides into his spot as an offensive upgrade.

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