While the Boston Celtics were arguably 2023 NBA trade deadline winners, acquiring Mike Muscala with to expense of the team’s current roster and not spending a first-round draft pick to do so, they didn’t address the need for a wing.
The buyout market will be where they likely do, but a rumored buyout market target may not be able to come to terms with the Cs on a role — and it could cost Boston a veteran who is a season removed from averaging 14 points per game.
According to MassLive’s Brian Robb, Will Barton may not be able to come to terms on a free agent deal with the Celtics before the buyout deadline because there may not be enough playing time for the 32-year-old:
"“Will Barton is a name that will be floated but whether he’s willing to take a reduced role is a question since he’s been a guy throughout his career who likes to get shots up.”"
2 veterans the Boston Celtics could sign to play complementary role
Barton started all but four of the 127 games he appeared in the last two seasons with the Nuggets, so it’s understandable he’d want such a role again. He’s not getting it in Washington and can help a contender. The Boston Celtics are already dealing with that in Payton Pritchard, though. Adding a veteran midseason to potentially rock the boat is something that may lack prudence for Brad Stevens and the front office.
In Barton’s place, Robb named two players who could be more willing to accept a secondary role on the Celtics this season:
"“I think the most realistic scenarios for targeting buyout guys in that spot is Danny Green and Terrence Ross. Both are veterans who have already made some decent money in this and could be lured at the best chance for a ring rather than a bigger opportunity elsewhere.”"
Whoever the Cs sign could end up being an insurance policy in case Sam Hauser’s shot disappears again. Over the past several games, Hauser has re-emerged as a perfectly acceptable backup. The role an incoming buyout free agent might have could be a minor one.
Green would be fine in spurts, but his ACL injury last year makes him almost an entirely one-dimensional 3-point shooter. Ross would be preferable, but even then, other contenders may offer a better chance for him to make good money in the offseason if winning a championship isn’t entirely his current goal.