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Boston Celtics: 4 buyout candidates Cs should consider pursuing

By Mark Nilon

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on January 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on January 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics buyout target No. 2) Trevor Ariza

Next, we see the veteran wing Trevor Ariza as a prime buyout candidate for the Boston Celtics to consider.

While he is currently under contract with the OKC Thunder after being traded this offseason by the Portland Trail Blazers/ Houston Rockets/ Detroit Pistons (it was a busy offseason for Ariza), he has yet to report to the team due to “personal reasons.”

When he was initially acquired, the idea was that Oklahoma City would try to build up his stock and flip him for a higher value than what he was attained for — a la Chris Paul. However, with his lack of attendance, his value remains essentially the same and, arguably, is getting lower by the day.

Because of this, we could realistically see Sam Presti simply cut ties with the 35-year-old via a buyout, thus thrusting him into the open market. Should this happen, the Cs should be very interested in signing him to a minimum deal.

A highly-efficient 3-and-D wing with championship experience, Ariza saw himself post averages of 11 points and 1.6 steals per game with Portland last season on 49 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep.

Though the Boston Celtics are talented, they are quite a young roster with reletively minimal postseason experience — the most seasoned postseason performer is currently Tristan Thompson.

From a leadership and skill set standpoint, Ariza would be a fantastic low-cost addition to this championship-aspiring roster.

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