7 free agent targets for Celtics with ties to Kristaps Porzingis
Celtics Free Agent Target No. 2: Derrick Rose, Combo Guard
Most of the players on this list are role players, and while at this point in his career that’s the description that best fits Derrick Rose as well, his talent and pedigree are well above the rest of this list. That’s the reality for Rose; years and injuries have sapped his legendary athleticism, and he now relies on ball handling and guile to score.
That’s actually fine, as he’s become quite good at it. He could be a microwave scorer off the Celtics’ bench, a fringe rotation player who steps in when needed and puts up 12 points. At 34 years old he likely still has something in the tank, and the Celtics could be the team to give him another chance to prove that.
Celtics Free Agent Target No. 1: Josh Richardson, Small Forward
The Celtics can always use 3-and-D wings, and perhaps a reunion with an old friend would be in order. Before he joined the Boston Celtics he was with Porzingis on the Dallas Mavericks, heading to the Celtics as something of a salary dump. Josh Richardson’s play since hasn’t been All-Star level, but it’s been solid-role-player level.
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Richardson is likely to command very real salary in free agency, and Boston cannot offer very much. He might end up in Cleveland or Houston to gain his payday. If he is open to a reunion, however, the Celtics could give him a role on a true title contender. And in the process, he could reunite with his old teammate, Kristaps Porzingis.