Boston Celtics: 6 shooters Cs should target this summer

By Chris Conte | Jun 27, 2021

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Wayne Ellington #8 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on February 24, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics target No. 2) Nicolas Batum

Although Nicolas Batum is likely to be out of Boston’s price range after having a career-saving bounce-back season, he is still someone they should put themselves in the mix for.

This season with the Clippers, Batum shot 40.4 percent on 272 3-point attempts.

In addition, he thrived next to the Clippers’ two-way wings, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. His chemistry with the two would very easily translate to Boston’s wing duo, and his defense would be a bonus. He is the kind of player Stevens likes, and the type of player the Boston Celtics will need to succeed in the playoffs.

In the playoffs, Batum is shooting an incredible 41.3 percent on 63 3-point attempts. He has thrived on the perimeter and has shown no signs of decline since Kawhi Leonard went down.

In other words, Batum won’t drop in production when Jayson Tatum goes to the bench, so the veteran can help stabilize bench units, something the Cs needed badly last season.

The dilemma comes with his expected earnings in free agency; he will likely net $15 million a year, which is well outside Boston’s budget. If Stevens can convince him to take under $10 million, then incredible, but it’s unlikely, so the Celtics should not get their heart set on him coming.

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