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Boston Celtics: 3 buyout candidates to pursue

By Andrew DiIorio

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball on offense against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball on offense against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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The trade deadline has passed, meaning it is time for the Boston Celtics to evaluate the buyout market. A great way to bolster your team at the end of the season, buyout additions often make the difference between a championship team and a playoff one.

Sitting at 23-23 near the end of March, it’s clear the Celtics season has been a disappointment thus far. However, winners of two straight, Brad Stevens’ squad may have finally turned a new leaf after the additions of Evan Fournier, Moritz Wagner, and Luke Kornet, with the latter making a huge difference in the team’s comeback win in Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Unfortunately, in taking back both Wagner and Kornet in the Daniel Theis trade, Boston has 15 guys on the roster, not leaving any space for a buyout candidate. In order to sign one of the players below, they will have to cut ties with someone, likely one of the two big men.

The Boston Celtics have the opportunity to explore the buyout market

With Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Payton Pritchard, and now Evan Fournier, Boston does not lack guard scoring. They do lack quality bench players, even after acquiring the Frenchman, as it’s risky to play either Semi Ojeleye or Grant Williams for an extended period of time in the playoffs. By adding a veteran on the buyout market, the Cs rotation will sure up and be ready for postseason play.

Boston Celtics buyout candidate #1: Otto Porter Jr.

The first candidate, Otto Porter Jr., was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Orlando Magic in the deal that sent All-Star Nikola Vucevic to Chi-town. Porter, although a nice veteran piece for the now contending Bulls, was needed as a salary filler to send to Orlando. The Magic have transitioned into full rebuild mode, moving off of Vucevic, Fournier, and Aaron Gordon at the deadline.

Therefore, although he has not been bought out yet, it’s likely OPJ will have his choice of teams in the near future. With only one year left on his contract, look for the Magic front office to buy him out in favor of playing their younger wing prospects the remainder of the year.

Porter is a player that any contending team would love to have – a 3&D wing that can hold his own in the playoffs. Starting his career in Washington, he found himself in the playoffs multiple seasons, even facing off against the Isaiah Thomas-led Celtics in a 2017 seven-game series.

Averaging 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and two assists per game, he’s having a down year overall, but can still be valuable to most teams. Encouragingly, he is still shooting 40% from three, a skill that would be welcomed in Boston with open arms. The 27-year-old will have his fair share of suitors, likely including the defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers, but a Boston-Porter partnership might be best for both sides.

He would have a clear spot in the rotation, coming off the bench as a capable shooting and defending wing, replacing the minutes of either Ojeleye on Grant on a nightly basis. With a combination of Fournier, Porter, Pritchard, and Thompson coming off the bench, the Boston Celtics backup unit has suddenly become their strong suit.

Look for GM Danny Ainge to call Porter whenever he gets bought out by the Magic.

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