The Boston Celtics are back on a roll. They’ve won six of their last seven games, and it feels like all is right in the world. But at the same time, the thrill of the trade deadline has swept up the rest of the NBA. Boston didn’t do much, but they did ship Jaden Springer and a second-rounder to the Houston Rockets, dumping his salary.
Boston signed Torrey Craig the night of the deadline, just a day after they sent out Springer. Brad Stevens hinted at the move, noting that they would fill their 14th roster spot quickly and wait a bit longer to fill the 15th.
But that does indicate that they plan to sign a player to their 15th roster spot.
Celtics could have room to sign new two-way player if they convert the contract of JD Davison or Drew Peterson
“We have 13 guys right now,” Stevens said via Brian Robb of MassLive. “We’ll probably do something with the 14th [spot] relatively soon, and then we’ll take our time with the 15th and really assess our health and needs and those types of things as we go on.”
Last year, the Celtics converted Neemias Queta’s two-way contract to a standard deal in order to fill their 15th roster spot.
This year was a bit different, as the Celtics had two roster spots to fill instead of one. Craig got the first spot, and now, Boston is in a similar situation to the one they found themselves in last season.
By that logic, it would make sense for them to convert one of their current two-way players, just as they did with Queta. That means one of JD Davison, Drew Peterson, or Anton Watson could get a standard deal. (Peterson and Davison seem more likely, as Watson is only a rookie.)
And if that reality ends up coming to fruition, they would have a two-way slot to fill. Last year, Peterson occupied the spot that Queta once held. And if Peterson, Davison, or Watson gets their contract upgraded, the Celtics would get the chance to sign another two-way player to add to their organization.
Peterson has turned himself into a quality prospect. He’s played well with the Maine Celtics and even earned a few opportunities this year with the big club.
The most obvious move the Celtics can make next would open up an opportunity for them to bring in a new player on a two-way contract, as they would be rewarding Davison, Peterson, or Watson with a standard contract.
As Stevens said, the Celtics plan to take their time with their upcoming decisions but keep an eye on that line of thought moving forward. It could bring another new face to Boston.