3 Veteran Free Agents the Celtics Can Target Instead of Blake Griffin

2. Austin Rivers

Speaking of the backcourt, adding another shooting guard might not hurt either with White and Brogdon potentially playing more PG minutes following Marcus Smart’s departure.

Fortunately, there’s an SG out there who’s made it clear he wants to play for the Celtics.

On the Sept. 20 edition of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Austin Rivers spoke about how he’d “love to be a part of the team.” He even went as far as saying that he spoke to President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, who seemed open to the idea.

"“I told [Stevens] I’d love to be a part of the [Celtics]. He said a lot of positive things. We’ll see if that’s something that will come to fruition.” – Austin Rivers on ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’"

Rivers proved in 2022-23 that he’s still decent in a backup role, averaging 4.9 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 three-pointers on 35.0% shooting across 52 games with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s also played in the postseason every year except once since 2015 and that experience is invaluable once the playoffs come around.

He’d also fill the role that Griffin left as a veteran who’s also a solid locker room personality. Players don’t have issues opening up on Rivers’ podcast, so he might not have an issue fostering relationships with our current roster.

Besides, a signing would be a long time coming. The 31-year-old only spent three days as a Celtic in 2015 before being shipped off to the LA Clippers, so this would be a chance to right that wrong.