Analyst’s encouraging message on Boston Celtics’ remaining offseason plans

The Boston Celtics’ remaining free agency plans are encouraging to say the least — with MassLive’s Souichi Terada believing that the front office will continue to hunt for “intriguing names” for their two-way contract slot.

“Expect the Celtics to sign at least a few more intriguing names in the coming weeks ahead of camp considering they have an open two-way slot,” Terada wrote.

With the NBA’s salary cap exploding this summer with a new CBA kicking into effect, the top earners — like Jaylen Brown and, in due time, Jayson Tatum — are left making exorbitant salaries while many veterans that used to be eligible for a portion of the MLE will now be forced to accept veteran’s minimum deals and, perhaps, even two-way contracts. Boston trading for and extending Kristaps Porzingis was the definition of a win-now move, so the time for Brad Stevens and Co. to hunt for ring-chasing vets is now. Take that chance on a formerly top-tier star who has hit hard times with injuries, Brad.

DJ Steward is now part of the Boston Celtics’ race for the final two-way spot

Given that the Cs already signed a former Los Angeles Clipper and their 2022 second-rounder to the first pair of two-contract spots, recent signee DJ Steward, a former Duke guard and five-star recruit, could compete for the last spot. As Terada writes, Steward “should be part of the race.”

“The Celtics have already signed Jay Scrubb and JD Davison to two-way slots,” Terada prefaced before saying, “But new NBA rules allow up to three two-way signees, meaning the Celtics have some options come training camp. Steward should be part of that race, though it remains to be seen who else the C’s bring into camp.”

A major veteran name or a proven commodity in the G-League would be appreciated for one of those spots, but Steward has the pedigree of a player who could tap into his potential and prove to be good enough for Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.