Boston Celtics: The offseason free agent that got away
The Boston Celtics have a hole in their frontcourt, lacking a third big man to capably bang on the block after Robert Williams III and Al Horford on the depth chart — and they had their eyes on the perfect guy to fill the role last offseason.
Thomas Bryant, who is now filling in capably during Anthony Davis’ absence in L.A., was down to the Celtics and Lakers during his 2022 free agency. He just went for 31 points and 14 rebounds on 12/15 shooting overall and 4/5 shooting from beyond the arc.
Bryant would be the ideal third big man in Boston, but in choosing the Lakers last July, he became the free agent that got away…
Man shoutout to Thomas Bryant with a Grown ass man 31 and 14 tonight! AD injury was a blessing in disguise for the Lakers… because now they got an opportunity to see Thomas Bryant TRUE VALUE!!! Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 23, 2023
Center options for the Boston Celtics ahead of the trade deadline
Thomas Bryant isn’t being dealt by the Lakers considering their own hopes of making the 2023 postseason, but the Boston Celtics will still likely pursue a third big man to take the place on the depth chart ahead of Luke Kornet and Blake Griffin.
In terms of options available, the Cs will be looking for someone who fits into the $5.9 million Dennis Schroder traded player exception that expires a day after the trade deadline. Salary matches include Indiana Pacers center Goga Bitadze, Sacramento Kings center Alex Len, Oklahoma City big Mike Muscala, and Houston Rockets pivot Boban Marjanovic.
Boston isn’t required to stick to the trade market either. After the deadline, several big men used as salary filler could end up as free agents. The buyout market could be the key to adding talent for no cost to the Celtics whatsoever.