Only two weeks remain in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, and the Boston Celtics' outlook is brighter than ever. Saturday's 121-111 victory against the San Antonio Spurs extended the Celtics' win streak to eight consecutive games while also cutting down the Cleveland Cavaliers' Eastern Conference lead to four games.
Even though it's almost playoff time, some Celtics fans are already looking ahead to the offseason. NBA free agency will be here in the blink of an eye, meaning it won't be long before Boston must decide what it'll do with its three upcoming unrestricted free agents.
It's far from guaranteed that any of the upcoming UFAs will remain in Beantown. Assuming that at least one of them leaves, a certain overseasons name would be the perfect free-agent target for the Celtics to help fill any potential voids.
Celtics Must Target Kevin Punter in Free Agency 2025
On Tuesday, EuroHoops wrote an article about several overseas basketball players who could be eyeing an NBA comeback or debut this offseason. Of the players listed, former 2016 undrafted selection Kevin Punter would be among the best fits for the Celtics.
Punter, 31, is a former Tennessee product who's yet to make his NBA debut. The ex-Volunteer failed to impress while playing with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2016 Summer League, resulting in an overseas career that's seen him make stops in Italy, Greece, Belgium, Poland, Serbia, and Spain.
Having said that, a strong 2024-25 performance had the Bronx, NY native looking like he had what it takes to be a full-time NBA player.
Punter was among the EuroLeague's best players after signing a one-year contract with FC Barcelona last offseason. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged career highs in points (17.1), assists (3.1), and threes made (2.2) across 30 tournament games, while also shooting 45.9% from the floor and 45.1% from deep. His performance also included his being named the October EuroLeague MVP.
As good as the Celtics have been this season, they're averaging the fifth-fewest bench points in the NBA. Adding Punter to the mix would help increase the backup group's offensive ceiling while also adding an experienced presence with over 8,000 minutes played across 330 overseas outings in his career.
Although signing him wouldn't cause their title odds to skyrocket, Punter is a low-risk offseason target who can become an effective contributor with a successful transition to the NBA. If things don't work out, the Celtics can easily cut their ties by waiving him and replacing him with another veteran name.
The NBA offseason won't begin for another two months, meaning the Celtics have plenty of time to mull over any potential offseason targets like Punter. All 30 teams will be able to officially begin negotiating with outside free agents beginning on Sunday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.