The Celtics are looking to bounce back from a disappointing playoff loss. Who else can they add in free agency to rewrite the future?
The Boston Celtics are headed for a weird offseason after they lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics already traded Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis in a sign-and-trade. The Celtics will most likely make a lot of other moves this off-season as they are retooling their roster. The moves around the edges will matter a lot more than in years past.
The team could end up losing a lot worse than in years past and that could translate into an early exit for the Celtics. Moves made around the edges of this roster might allow this team to have a better chance of making avoiding another playoff disappointment and finally getting over the championship hump.
Most important targets for the Celtics: 3. Jeff Green
Jeff Green would be a very interesting player to add to this team. He would help the Celtics as a wing and as a backup frontcourt contributor. He is also most likely a player who is looking to win now as he has made his money in the NBA during his very long career. He could end up returning to the Denver Nuggets but the Celtics could make an offer that he can’t refuse.
Boston could use his veteran leadership due to the fact that he has played for 10+ years in the NBA, has won an NBA championship and played for the Celtics before. Smart was a very good locker room leader for the Celtics during his time with the team and they may need someone to take some of that mantle.
Most important targets for the Celtics: 2. Yuta Watanabe
Yuta Watanabe would be a very interesting fit for a team that is looking for minor contributions from minimum contracts. Watanabe has moved around the league in his five seasons. He is very athletic and a very solid shooter from the 3-point line. Beyond that, he doesn’t really offer that much more.
Watanabe could be looking for a chance to win a title and he could end up being the eighth or ninth man in the rotation, producing well in his role very cheaply for the team.
If the team did not want to go for the experienced veteran option, they could make a move for Watanabe. They will not be able to afford mid-tier/lower-rated free agents like Torrey Craig and Jae Crowder due to the fact that this team doesn’t have any cap space.
This is why they will be looking at players who are veteran free agents who want to win an NBA championship or players that are the fringe of the league. Watanabe fits into the second category but his 3-point shooting is solid and that could be enough for Boston.
Most important targets for the Celtics: 1. JaMychal Green
JaMychal Green is another veteran that would be interesting to add to the back part of this roster. As with the other Green, JaMychal player can play multiple positions and would add depth and versatility. He can step up for the team when Porzingis is having his scheduled rest days and provide some insurance for Al Horford and Robert Williams, both of whom have had issues with injuries.
The Celtics could get him relatively cheaply and his defensive versatility and modest 3-point shooting would fit perfectly with the way the Celtics like to play. He’s not a game-changer, but he could help.
Porzingis is due for a healthy extension and Jaylen Brown will be extended for max money if he ends up staying. Having an inexpensive role player like Green would be very smart for the team.
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