Boston Celtics: 3 potential destinations for Brad Wanamaker in free agency

Boston Celtics backup floor general Brad Wanamaker has played well this offseason. With the Cs strapped for cash, could he be not long for Beantown in favor one of these 3 destinations?

Every time a Boston Celtics role player breaks out, it’s bittersweet. Besides Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams and the 2019 rookie draft class, no one is signed beyond the 2020-21 season.

While that seems like an expansive list, that includes key rotation members like Daniel Theis (the likeliest to have a contract year that sends him out of town), Semi Ojeleye, Enes Kanter and Brad Wanamaker. 

That last name is key. Wanamaker is 31 and made minimum contract money in his two seasons so far in Boston. In the 2020 postseason, he has been one of the strongest reserves for Brad Stevens, playing a team-high 18 minutes per game off the bench.

His importance has not been understated throughout a postseason run that has been bereft of playmaking of Gordon Hayward. Wanamaker has led the offense in his minutes while also forming a nice point guard pairing with Kemba Walker in their time on the floor together.

That said, his excellent bench play could have certain contenders adding the 31-year-old journeyman with the promise of more minutes and touches than what the Boston Celtics can guarantee moving forward.

If that is the case, here are 3 teams that could target Wanamaker in 2020 free agency:

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a constant flux at the point guard position. Alex Caruso seems like he could be an effective backup floor general, but in spurts. Right now, his veteran counterpart is Rajon Rondo, but if he can land a starting job elsewhere (sounds Knicks-y) the Lakers could see Wanamaker as the other backup.

With LeBron James’ domineering presence in the starting lineup, surrounding him with shooters needs to be a top priority for Los Angeles. Wanamaker’s *check’s notes* 48 percent conversion rate from behind the arc this postseason is the exact kind of role playing goodness that could supplement another deep playoff run for James in 2021.

Houston Rockets

The structure in Houston is pretty clear. James Harden and Russell Westbrook pound the ball and force action at the rim, and everyone else stands around hoping for the ball to launch up a 3-pointer. Even if Mike D’Antoni isn’t retained, the system will always thrive with efficient long-range snipers next to the volume scoring tendencies of the Rockets backcourt.

Again, Wanamaker has shown that he can stroke it from deep, between his 41 percent shooting in his rookie year to his 50 percent career playoff success rate for the Boston Celtics. He’s a superior option to the undersized Chris Clemons, and he shouldn’t break the bank for a Houston team that is likely substantially over whatever the salary cap ends up being.

Dallas Mavericks

The common thread here for a perfect Wanamaker offseason fit is as follows: dominant lead ball-handler with a team lacking point guard depth that has a need for 3-point shooting.

Enter the Dallas Mavericks.

Luka Doncic is obviously the lead ball-handler in this situation, and unlike the Rockets and Lakers, Dallas has cap space. Wanamaker obviously wouldn’t be set for any large portion of it, but he could likely squeeze out a couple of millions more from the Mavericks…who only figure to rise up the standings further on the strength of Doncic’s upward momentum.