Oft-linked Boston Celtics buyout target ‘likely to pursue more playing time with a different playoff team’
MassLive’s Brian Robb has poured baking soda on the fires involving the Boston Celtics potentially signing an oft-linked buyout target who was recently bought out by the Wizards: forward Will Barton.
During his latest Celtics Mailbag, Robb answered a reader’s suggestion to merely sign Maine Celtics forward and nine-year NBA veteran Tony Snell by saying that Barton is ‘likely to pursue more playing time with a different playoff team.’
In forecasting what could come to the Celtics on the buyout market, Robb said a G-Leaguer who could be signed to a non-guaranteed multi-year deal is far more likely than Barton signing on at this point:
"“Will Barton is the only notable name left out there on the wing but he’s likely to pursue more playing time with a different playoff team. That makes a veteran wing or perhaps a younger one in the G-League who the team could sign to a non-guaranteed longer deal potential options for the 15th spot.”"
Options for the Boston Celtics for 15th roster spot
So with the idea of signing Barton now all but dead in the water, Boston can move on to finding a diamond in the rough in the G-League — whether it be someone playing for Alex Barlow in Maine or elsewhere.
Snell and fellow NBA veteran Denzel Valentine are options up in Maine, while Justin Anderson and Jay Scrubb could be external candidates to be signed to the Celtics’ 15th and final roster spot ahead of the postseason.
Potential Will Barton free agency landing spots
FanSided’s Jakob Ashlin came up with several free agent landing spots for Barton, and all of them fit Robb’s bill of playoff teams: Minnesota, Dallas, and Miami. The Celtics would obviously not want to see Barton sign with a potential postseason foe in the Heat.
The Mavericks profile to be the best landing spot because of the potential second unit touches — and because you never know when Kyrie Irving could miss a game. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves could use Barton’s offense with Karl-Anthony’s Towns’ continued injury woes this season.