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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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Boston Celtics
Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics buyout candidate #2: Kelly Olynyk

A familiar face to Boston, Kelly Olynyk finds himself in a similar situation to the aforementioned Porter. Getting moved to Houston from the Miami Heat in a Victor Oladipo trade, Kelly has been traded to a team currently going under a massive rebuild. Recently losers of 20 straight, it’s clear the Rockets will not competing any time soon, especially this year.

With one year left on his deal, look for him to get bought out by Houston once they realize it makes no sense to play the seasoned vet over some of their younger players. Other teams need shooting bigs as they help stretch the floor in the modern NBA, but fewer destinations make more sense than Boston, where he already has extensive connections.

Spending his first four years in Celtic green, Olynyk was a productive player throughout his tenure. Coming off the bench, he was effective at his role, even scoring 30 points in an important game seven. On the year, he’s averaging 10.2 points, six rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 43.5% shooting from the field and 32.5% from deep. His efficiency is down from previous years, but he has shown to be a consistent shooter throughout his career in the league.

If a reunion in Boston occurs, it would have to be at the expense of Wagner or Kornet, two very similar players to Olynyk. Ainge would be betting on Kelly to be a better version of the two new Celtics, and he would probably be right – KO has shown to be a more effective player on winning teams.

Therefore, this move would give Boston a simple upgrade at the center position, providing the team with more flexibility and spacing overall.

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