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Boston Celtics: 3 remaining free agents Cs should pursue

By Chris Conte

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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After just three days of NBA free agency, the list of available impact-free agents has dwindled into the single digits. The Boston Celtics have only grabbed one in Enes Kanter and are currently out of roster spots, but with the Tristan Thompson trade still unfinished, there’s reason to believe Boston could make room for one of the few free agents left on the market.

It was rumored that Brad Stevens wanted to send more salary out in both the Thompson deal and the Richardson deal but has only sent out Moses Brown’s salary apart from the other critical departing pieces. It’s reasonable to believe the Boston Celtics are working on sending more out with Thompson so they can free up the full MLE and a roster spot for a more prepared contributor.

The Celtics are not equipped for high-level contention this season with the roster they have. They lack perimeter shooting, competent passing, and depth, which means they are bound to repeat their lofty achievements last season. This is unacceptable no matter what their long-term plan is.

Wasting a year of the Jays should never be an option, let alone wasting two, especially when there are ways to improve the team on the market.

Here are a couple of names still on the market that could drastically improve Boston’s chances at banner #18:

Boston Celtics free-agent target #1: Dennis Schroder

After a solid two seasons with the Thunder and the Lakers, Dennis Schroder went into free agency, believing he could net up to $80 million from a team. However, Schroder has yet to find any interest, and all the groups with the possible spending power to meet Schroder’s demands have dried up, leaving him a few choices.

His first option is he can go to one of the NBA’s bottom feeders like the Thunder or the Magic, who have tons of cap space, and see if they will pay him what he wants. His second option is to leave his dreams behind of being paid $20 million a season and sign a one or two-year deal worth the full MLE with a contender, thereby securing a payday and securing a spot on a high-level roster.

Considering Schroder will be coming from a highly touted playoff team, I doubt he chooses the former over the latter, which is where the Boston Celtics come in.

The Celts could use some support at point guard, seeing as their rotation is very shallow. Brining in Schroder allows Marcus Smart more time at shooting guard, where he’s had a lot of success in the past, and limits Josh Richardson’s touches as a primary ball-handler.

Schroder may not be the shooter the Cs need, but he can provide some high-level creation and defense off the bench, something the Celtics need just as much as they need shooting. If the Boston Celtics can free up their full MLE and grab Schroeder off the market, this free agency goes from a shameful loss to a notorious victory.