The past week has been sentimental for Boston Celtics fans, as Brad Stevens was left no choice but to part ways with both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to get the team below the second-apron threshold. In return, the Celtics brought in scoring guard Anfernee Simons, local product Georges Niang, and two future second-round picks.
Figuring out the free agency situations of Al Horford and Luke Kornet, as well as potentially finding a trade package for Sam Hauser, will be the next steps for the team. As Porzingis heads to Atlanta, the Celtics have a gaping hole at center, and don't have the money to go out and bring in a top free-agent at the position.
What the Celtics can do is look for a filler on a minimum contract. Boston is currently $4.5 million under the second-apron, meaning they must make signings on the margins, or trade a key bench player (Sam Hauser) to free up some more money.
Luckily for the team, there is a veteran center in free agency that fits Boston's price range as of now.
Celtics Should Target Mason Plumlee in Free Agency
Plumlee, 34, is a 12-year NBA veteran. At 6-foot-10, the Duke product plays bigger than his height shows and would give the Celtics a rebounding and paint protecting focused big man alongside Neemias Queta. While Plumlee doesn't try his luck from outside like Porzingis did, he would give Joe Mazzulla a similar skill set to Luke Kornet in terms of playing within the three-point line.
Last season with the Suns, Plumlee stepped in and played 74 games (21 starts) in the desert. He averaged 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds on 63% from the field, giving the team nearly 18 minutes per game.
You're not going to get any perimeter shooting abilities from Plumlee. This shouldn't be a problem, knowing how many scoring options the Celtics have now with Simons, Brown, White and Pritchard. Luke Kornet, while he once was a perimeter-centric big, didn't need to be for the Celtics, as he provided just as much value on the glass, as a lob threat, and protecting the paint. The shift in playstyle made him a better player, and he will be reaping the benefits in free agency this offseason.
Plumlee would give the Celtics just what they need, on a cheap contract. Turning 35 in March, he'd be a good rotational center to add just for next season. The Celtics also have a second-round pick in Thursday's draft that they could use to address the center position.
Plumlee has career averages of 8 points and 6.7 rebounds on 59% from the field. After being a first-round pick by the Nets in the 2013 Draft, Plumlee has suited up for the Trail Blazers, Nuggets, Pistons, Hornets, Clippers and Suns across his 12 year career.
This wouldn't be a flashy signing, but the Celtics center position is in flux right now. Until we know the future of Luke Kornet and Al Horford in Boston, both who Brad Stevens is reportedly trying hard to bring back, cheaper veteran options will have to suffice for now.
This Boston Celtics offseason has been a far cry from two years ago, as fans will be watching a much different roster take the parquet in October.