Boston Celtics: 5 underrated distributors Cs should pursue this offseason

By Chris Conte | Jul 1, 2021

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 09: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets passes during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 09, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Passing option for the Boston Celtics No. 5) Will Barton

With MPJ breaking out and the Nuggets needing more defensive support, Denver may be in the market to trade Barton’s expiring contract. He has done well for Denver, but a shift is occurring in their wing core, and that could force Barton out the door.

After losing Gordon Hayward and Marcus Morris, Boston requires a backup wing. Even if Fournier re-signs, the Cs would be looking at rookies and second years players to fill out their wing core yet again.

Instead, Barton would fill this role.

His ball-handling, creation, and vision are better than anything the Celtics have on the bench right now. He can run pick-and-rolls with Williams and Horford while also playing off-ball next to Tatum and Brown.

If his passing works next to Jokic, it can work next to the Jays too.

As I said, he is technically on an expiring contract. He made $14 million last season, and if he opts into his player option, he could make $15 million this season.

Boston should hope he declines this player option to get him on a cheaper contract and avoid having to shed assets to trade for him.

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