We know that the Celtics are seeking a few things this offseason: a stretch big man, a switchable big on defense, and a value third big man to join Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. But it has quickly become pretty clear that there aren’t many options that legitimately check multiple of those boxes. Which leads to an unconventional idea: what about the Cavaliers’ Dean Wade?
Celtics fans may remember Wade from his career-high 23-point performance on 6-9 three-point shooting in a crazy comeback win for the Cavs in 2024, and that’s a small preview of what he could bring to Boston.
Wade is more of a big wing, but has proven to be a great switch defender onto centers, as well as point guards. He’s a deadly shooter when left open, and can do a little bit more with the ball in his hands. You wouldn’t think of him as a conventional stretch-big, but he actually has most of the tools, and could be had at an affordable price as he’s set to enter free agency.
If used in creative ways, Wade could absolutely be part of small-ball lineups next to Jayson Tatum, or, dare I say, Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s a guy who could easily slot in at power forward alongside Queta or Garza, giving the Cs a double-big look they’ve coveted in recent years but currently lack.
Wades’ health has been his biggest issue recently as he has averaged just 48.8 games a year over his seven-season career in Cleveland. But when healthy, he has been the closest thing the Cavs have had to a defensive stopper, and he’s a career 36.7% shooter from long range.
Wade a great value signing that checks many boxes for Celtics
Perhaps, with a change of scenery and a bit of a reduced role, Wade could make a big impact on a team where he’d be much more of a role player than a guy who was unfairly expected to be one of the Cavs’ key wing players.
His three-year, $18.5 million contract is coming to an end, and with the Cavs facing some major questions about their roster and their finances, there’s a very good chance that Wade hits the open market. Boston has the full mid-level exception to play with, and could offer Wade a solid chunk of that, roughly $15 million annually.
That should be an intriguing prospect for Wade, who could stay in the East and join a contender where he could fit into a natural role and focus on accentuating his strengths without being asked to do things outside of his comfort zone.
At the end of the day, the biggest question would have to be health. But with minimal financial or long-term liability likely to be involved, and a player who is still just 29 years old, the fit and upside are too good for the Celtics not to take a low-risk flier on Wade.
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