With the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline now passed, the Boston Celtics now turn their attention to the buyout market for a player who could help them win now.
The Boston Celtics only made one minor move prior to the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline, but that move could lead to a bigger addition who could impact the team’s NBA Finals aspirations.
First, Celtics president of basketball operations was doing a victory lap after the trade deadline came and went. It wasn’t because he traded Jabari Bird to the Atlanta Hawks to free up a roster spot, it was because the New Orleans Pelicans did not move Anthony Davis, which now puts Ainge in prime position to land the big man.
But, let’s move that to the Summer of 2019.
By trading Bird, the Boston Celtics now have an opportunity to fill their 15th roster spot with a worthy veteran who can help the team win now.
As they did last season by adding Greg Monroe, expect the Celtics to make a push during buyout season to add a player who is hungry to play for a contender. The player will also have to be willing to sign a two-year deal that could help Ainge land Davis when it comes to matching salaries in a potential deal.
There are already quite a few players available who can help contending teams. Here are five players who could help the Boston Celtics get through the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers to reach the NBA Finals this season.
Markieff Morris
This would be quite a story.
After witnessing twin brothers Devin and Jason McCourty win a title for the New England Patriots, wouldn’t it be fitting for Boston sports fans to see Marcus and his twin brother Markieff have a chance to win one for the Boston Celtics.
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It’s unlikely, but possible.
After being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, Markieff was bought out prior to the NBA Trade Deadline. This does free him up to join a contender and his toughness and shooting would be welcomed in Boston.
In other words, two Morris brothers would be better than one. However, the reality is that there just wouldn’t be enough minutes for Markieff in Boston. It would strengthen their depth, but brother Marcus knows his brother has to be willing to play less minutes to join a team he rivaled for the last few seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
"“It’s just dependent on how he feels, because I know he wants to play,” Morris said, via Masslive.com. “He’s a guy that can contribute 25 minutes per game in this league and we’re loaded. So I’m not really sure how that might play out, so could be hard.”"
As good of a story as it might be, Markieff Morris could still help the Boston Celtics NBA Finals chances by not signing with a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, which is possible since both brothers are Philly natives and the 76ers are looking to strengthen their bench.
Zach Randolph
The man known as Z-Bo is not the player he once was, but the 37-year-old big man is could be that veteran presence Kyrie Irving was talking about back when the team was struggling.
After being traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Dallas Mavericks, Zach Randolph was waived by Dallas. This frees him up to join a contender in hopes of winning a championship before he calls it quits.
Although he didn’t play a minute with the Kings this season, his veteran leadership could be valuable to the Boston Celtics. He could also provide the frontcourt depth the team is in search for, especially with the ongoing health concerns of both Aron Baynes and Al Horford.
Think 2008 P.J. Brown with this possibility. The aging veteran could make a play or two to help the Celtics in a big game in the playoffs. He is unlikely, however, because Danny Ainge will be looking for someone willing to sign a two-year deal because everything right now centers around acquiring Anthony Davis.
The two-year deal matters because:
Celtics fans: Whoever Boston signs in buyout season is probably pretty irrelevant. What matters is that player being willing to take a two-year contract, so Boston can use them as about $4.5-4.7 million in salary matching towards an Anthony Davis trade this summer.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 7, 2019
Due to age, Z-Bo may not be that player.
Marcin Gortat
Another veteran big man who can big on the boards and hit a few jumpers, Marcin Gortat will likely have his choice of contenders to join following his buyout from the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 34-year-old Polish big man hasn’t had a great season, but in limited minutes could add some frontcourt depth, especially in the absence of Aron Baynes.
In averaging 5.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 16.0 minutes per game, Gortat can still be an impact on the court in the time he is given. He is also a very physical player who will add leadership the team.
After playing against the Boston Celtics during his time with the Washington Wizards, both sides certainly know each other well. Like Zach Randolph, he probably isn’t a player who will be willing to sign a two-year deal. He also has his eyes on playing for the Golden State Warriors.
Well, of course he does.
Robin Lopez
If the Boston Celtics want to add a player who could help defend Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid and Toronto Raptors new scoring center Marc Gasol, Chicago Bulls disgruntled big man Robin Lopez could be the man.
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Lopez has made it no secret that he wants to be bought out by the Bulls, but the team seems reluctant to do just that.
"“We are not committed to anything right now,” Bulls front office exec John Paxon said, via Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald. “My feeling is Robin will be with us.”"
Things can change in the NBA and they usually do. A player like Lopez could help many contenders around the league, mainly the Boston Celtics.
Not only is he a banger on the glass, he won’t command the ball offensively. That is just the type of player a team as deep as the Celtics need. As a rebounding rim-protector Robin Lopez would certainly vamp up the team’s defensive pressure.
It’s just a matter of patience and seeing whether or not the Bulls grant Lopez his one wish.
Enes Kanter
It appears the prize of the buyout season is Turkish big man Enes Kanter.
After being bought out by the lowly New York Knicks, Kanter has a chance to join a contender. Unlike Lopez, the 6-foot-11, 250-pound big man isn’t great defensively, but does provide any team he joins with rebounding and low-post scoring. He also has the ability to stretch the floor with a long-range jump shot.
In averaging 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game with the Knicks this season, Enes Kanter is rumored to be a player the Celtics will make a play for. While he has been disgruntled about playing time in New York, he has said he would be okay with limited minutes for a contender.
The Boston Celtics are certainly a contender in need of rebounding and low-post scoring, but will the off-the-court drama that surrounds Kanter a good fit?
He is a player who has no problem sounding off against LeBron James (which could be fun) and a player with some political drama surrounding his home country of Turkey. As good as he could be on the basketball court, the Boston Celtics just have to make sure he wouldn’t be too much of a distraction when he is not playing basketball.
In all, Enes Kanter in his ability could help get the Celtics over the hump if he settles into a role. Oh, and he has to be willing to sign a two-year deal because everything centers around obtaining Anthony Davis.