It’s hard to find truly ideal candidates to join the Celtics this offseason without blowing up the core of the roster, but one realistic target that checks a lot of boxes is CJ McCollum, the man most responsible for handing the Knicks their only two playoff losses en route to the NBA Finals.
After Boston traded Anfernee Simons away at the deadline, they never really replaced his role. The Cs lost their third guard, being forced to roll with just Payton Pritchard and Derrick White as lead ballhandlers and offensive initiators, along with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
The Jays are better maximized off the ball with guards running the show, but that became difficult in the absence of Simons. They forced Pritchard back to the bench, but they lacked that true third option for scoring, playmaking, and ballhandling, and that absence was felt at times, especially during the playoffs.
McCollum proved to be a Knicks-Slayer in the playoffs
Meanwhile, as the Celtics were struggling with the 76ers, the Hawks were giving the Knicks all they could handle, jumping out to a 2-1 lead before ultimately losing the series. And in those two victories, McCollum was brilliant, putting up 32 and 23 points, going toe-to-toe with Jalen Brunson, and hitting clutch game-winning shots.
He was overtasked with his role as the lead initiator, and by the end of the series, the Knicks had him figured out, but he sent a loud message in the first three games of the series, and if he had more help, Atlanta could have pulled off an upset that would look shocking after we’ve seen the Knicks steamroll through the 76ers and Cavaliers without losing a game.
CJ would be a perfect fit in Boston
McCollum’s $30.7 million contract is expiring, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. He’s not going to get that value as a 34-year-old, but how much of a discount will he actually have to take? The Hawks would likely love to keep him and will have money to spend, but maybe CJ values a chance at a ring more.
The Celtics can offer the full midlevel exception, which is projected to be about $15.1 million for next season. A multi-year offer at that type of annual value is a respectable deal for the veteran, and if he wants to play a meaningful role on a contending team, Boston can offer him a great situation.
He’d be an ideal sixth man or fifth starter who could close games some nights and take a backseat on others. He would fit great with what the team needs, and his proven playoff and clutch chops, plus recent success against the Knicks, would be huge bonuses. His defense is a liability, and he’s not the player he was back in Portland, but that’s what makes him potentially available.
If the Celtics want to upgrade the roster with a legit third guard without sacrificing talent and staying under the tax, and McCollum wants to play a big, but appropriate role at this point in his career on a contending team, this could be a perfect marriage for both sides.
Add us as a preferred source on Google