3 buyout situations the Boston Celtics must keep a close eye on
By Mark Nilon
![DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 14: Gary Harris #14 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 14, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 14: Gary Harris #14 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 14, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e367be17149c14836eda14290d8bba082d16d532dacc5bc3b2ec5f3aa050699e.jpg)
Buyout situation Boston Celtics must monitor No. 2) Mike Muscala
Another 3-point shooter who could wind up hitting the buyout market at some point this season is veteran big man for the OKC Thunder, Mike Muscala.
Heading into this year’s deadline, it was the belief of many that the rebuilding Oklahoma City would try to trade the 30-year-old power forward in an effort to bring on some more highly-coveted draft capital while also doing him the honor of allowing his skill-set to contribute to a team that’s actually looking to win in the now.
With February 10th having come and gone, obviously, we see that Muscala remains on the Thunder’s roster, but this is not to say that President of their front office won’t still give the vet the opportunity to play elsewhere if he so chooses.
Throughout his tenure with the association, President of Basketball Operations, Sam Presti, has been known as being a fair man who possesses a proven track record of giving his veterans what they want which, as of late, has been a way out of town.
Should the big state his desire to part ways with the franchise (which, though there has been no real indication that he even wants out, it still remains a possibility), Presti easily could continue his trend of being the good guy and grant him his wishes and, of course, should this happen the Boston Celtics should strongly consider a pursuit.
Recently described as being a perfect fit within the C’s rotation, the 6-11, 240-pound Muscala would add some much-needed size to the rotation while also allowing Ime Udoka‘s double-big lineup to perhaps become far more effective.
For someone of his size, the nine-year pro has proven to be one of the best 3-point shooting bigs in the game today.
Currently, we find him ranked as the sixth-best 3-point shooter in the entire league and as the best 3-point shooting center, boasting a conversion rate of 42.9 percent from deep. On top of this, per 75 possessions he’s also boasting an impressive stat-line of 21.4 points, eight rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game whilst coming off the bench in all contests this season.
By adding the likes of Muscala, Boston would be checking off two areas of need in both size and shooting.
Because of this, we believe that his situation in OKC must be closely monitored moving forward.