With the trade deadline passed, the NBA world shifts their focus to the buyout market when teams waive players and they subsequently sign with teams trying to make a playoff push. These players historically never really make an impact on teams that go on to win the title, but it is fun to see where some recognizable names go and people like to talk about it.
The Celtics made four deadline deals, only bringing one standard contract player back in all four trades. They did also receive two-way player John Tonje from the Jazz.
While they did convert rookie big man Amari Williams from a two-way to a standard deal, they still are left with just 12 rostered players and need to have 14 players on the roster.
They can have less than 14 on the roster for 14 days in a row and 28 days total. Look for them to take advantage of that, especially with the All-Star break coming up.
Yet, even though they have the roster spots, they don’t have the money available under the luxury tax to be aggressive in the buyout market.
After the deadline, the Celtics are $842,292 under the tax — not enough to sign anyone on the buyout market. They have to get creative when filling out the rest of their roster.
The easiest way for the Celtics to maneuver around the rules is to sign players to 10-day contracts.
You never know, but I would put to bed your Cam Thomas dreams, if you have those (I personally do not). I would love Khris Middleton if he is bought out by the Mavericks, but I also doubt that will happen as well.
If you are looking for a big buyout name, you likely won’t find one. In fact, I’d take a look at the Maine Celtics roster because I think that is where the Celtics could be signing players from to fill out the roster. One name that is on there that you might recognize is Keon Johnson, who was a 2021 first round pick and has four years of NBA experience.
Yes, it is fun to imagine big names like Cam Thomas, Khris Middleton, Lonzo Ball or Mike Conley making their way to the Celtics and playing a role for this team. However, Boston’s luxury tax situation probably does not allow for that so I would temper your expectations.
