The Boston Celtics want a stretch five to maximize Joe Mazzulla’s scheme, but that may force them to bring back Nikola Vucevic in free agency. The former All-Star is a plus shooter, but fans saw him get played off the floor in the playoffs. Neemias Queta isn’t stretching the floor, and Luka Garza doesn’t offer enough defensively. If the Celtics want a stretch five, bringing Vucevic back may be their best option.
Boston has $187.7 million committed to 14 players for next season. They should decline multiple team options to free some roster space, but it doesn’t give the Celtics more cap flexibility because each of the players is making at or near the minimum. If Boston wants to stay under the tax to reset the repeater, they have just $14 million to spend on that final roster spot.
A stretch five always commands a premium in free agency. There are a few options, but can the Celtics convince any of them to come to Boston? It won’t be easy, especially if the Celtics want to upgrade their depth. They risk losing Vucevic if they wait for other options, which further complicates an already sticky situation.
Is Nikola Vucevic fit in Joe Mazzulla’s scheme enough to bring him back?
The free agent market features five other stretch fives for Boston to consider. The Clippers have an $8.9 million club option on Brook Lopez, and the 38-year-old showed signs of decline this season. John Collins could be an option, but he made $25 million last season. He will be looking for more money in free agency. Boston could try to bring back Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, or Kelly Olynyk, but all three come with problems. KP will want more than $14 million. Horford and Olynyk are both declining and can’t play significant minutes every night.
The Celtics acquired Vucevic to give Joe Mazzulla a stretch five and duck under the luxury tax. They do not need to retain him, but Boston would still like to have that stretch-five option. If Horford and Lopez have their options picked up, it may be between Vooch and Olynyk for the Celtics. As many problems as he caused, Vucevic is the superior option.
Boston could explore the trade market, but finding someone in their price range that doesn’t cost a massive haul of draft capital will be difficult. Every contender would love to have a stretch five, so it won’t be cheap.
Nikola Vucevic was only available because he is declining and was making $21 million last season. The 35-year-old will be significantly cheaper this year. It could open the door for Boston to improve their depth and bring him back. Sadly, it may be the only option if the Celtics want a stretch five. That doesn’t make Brad Stevens’ decision any easier.
The Boston Celtics have to choose between fit and playoff production when deciding Nikola Vucevic's future. The Celtics know Vooch isn’t good enough. He may be their best option for the role, though. Being the best of a questionable group may not make his return worth it, but that is something the front office has to decide. These types of problems are exactly why Stevens makes millions.
Ultimately, the Celtics should cut ties with Vucevic. They must upgrade their roster to get back into title contention. Vooch isn’t helping them win in the playoffs, so it is time to move on. If that means Boston doesn’t have a stretch five other than Luka Garza, that is fine. In this era of the NBA, teams always have to make roster sacrifices to stay in contention. This might just be the Celtics' latest.
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