The Boston Celtics still possess over $11 million of the Gordon Hayward trade exception to use this offseason. However, many forget about the roughly $5 million Enes Kanter trade exception.
The exception expires at the same time as the Hayward one: November of 2021. The Celtics have until then to use or, as the expression goes, they lose it.
Boston’s plethora of young assets and draft capital puts them in a solid position to use this exception. The real question is who Brad Stevens will choose to use it on?
In reality, there are two ways he could choose to use it. Option one would be finding a cheap veteran to bring onto the roster, while option two would be to trade for a young player who is under contract for a few years.
The Celtics should have a few roster spots available to fill this offseason. With a serious lack of cap flexibility, this exception could be the best option the team has to add a quality rotation piece.
$5 million may not seem like much, but there are some solid options around the league that are available for that much. More importantly, the C’s possess enough draft assets to make a trade worthwhile for the other team.
The target for most of these trades should be rebuilding teams willing to trade pieces for draft picks. Teams such as the Thunder and Rockets come to mind, but the idea can be extended to any team outside of the playoff race.
Kanter’s trade exception fell under the radar this season with Hayward’s being the focus of the team. However, as the deadline for using it inches closer, Stevens must act swiftly in order to capitalize on this opportunity.