Celtics fans love seeing a former member of the green return to Boston. There have been high-profile examples, such as Al Horford coming back to help the franchise win an NBA title. When Antoine Walker rejoined the organization for a second stint, the news was met with much fanfare. Even Joe Johnson's cameo at 40 years old earned an eruption from the TD Garden faithful.
As cheesy as it sounds, and it certainly isn't limited to Celtics fans, it doesn't take much to win them over and be treated like a beloved family member for life.
And while the possibility of a reunion will typically draw excitement from at least a corner of Boston's fan base, there are valid reasons the prospect of reacquiring Dennis Schroder or Max Strus appears to be met with crickets.
The Celtics should clearly pass on Max Strus and Dennis Schroder
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in the market for Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga. The former is a restricted free agent. The latter is unrestricted.
As they explore those possibilities, it would behoove them to shed payroll. Their most likely cap casualties are Schroder and Strus. The veteran point guard, who entered the league drawing comparisons to Rajon Rondo, is on the books for $14.8 million. Strus is even more expensive at $16.7 million.
There's merit to the idea that Boston could use another point guard. However, as previously outlined, the plan for pacing Mike Conley suggests that Joe Mazzulla won't place too much of a burden on an individual entering his 20th NBA season.
The Celtics could also add a player like Milos Uzan on a two-way deal.
Milos Uzan, who is joining the Celtics at training camp on an E10, when asked about his conversations with the team and a potential two-way deal:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) July 16, 2026
“My main thought process right now is just to go out in Summer League and compete and see where it goes from there.
“I know I'm… pic.twitter.com/xuRyHurU1y
Even if they don't, trading for Schroder would be a head-scratching decision. It's a move that could have them needing to figure out how to get under the luxury tax again so that they can reset the repeater tax.
And while the 13-year veteran is impactful off the bench, as they experienced in his first stint in green, his style of play, which, despite his speed, included walking the ball up at a snail's pace, didn't mesh with Boston's desired approach.
Even off the bench, if Schroder returned, the Celtics could often count on him for 10 points and about five assists. However, from financial and on-court fit perspectives, it would come as a shock if they reacquired him.
The Celtics should also avoid trading for Max Strus
Unlike Schroder, Strus never actually played for Boston in a regular-season contest. He had a strong showing in the 2021 preseason but was the team's final cut.
He lost the battle for their last roster spot to Jabari Parker, who had the advantage in terms of pedigree and familiarity. The former Duke star appeared in 10 tilts with the C's in the previous campaign.
In the Cavaliers' turbulent run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Strus performed admirably. Injury cost him all but 12 regular-season games. He still averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 steals per playoff appearance. He also shot just below 36 percent on 5.9 three-point attempts.
There's no doubt that the 30-year-old can help whoever he plays for next season. However, between his contract and how loaded the Celtics are on the wings, it wouldn't make sense to bring Strus back to Boston.
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