6 Cheap veterans Celtics can target this offseason

5. Jeff Green

Green may not be available this summer. To add veterans to jump from rebuilding to contending, the Rockets signed Green to a two-year $16 million in the 2023 offseason. He joined Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jock Landale as marquee upgrades, but the Rockets have a team option on Green for the 2024-25 campaign. Houston may decline it and spend that money elsewhere.

Green helped the Nuggets win the championship in 2023 and has been a role player on ten playoff teams in his first 15 NBA seasons. The 6’8 forward was traded to the Celtics at the 2011 deadline but missed the entire next season with a heart issue. He came back and was a starter in Boston for two and a half seasons before being traded to the Grizzlies.

The 37-year-old is past his playing prime. He is a bench option who can still guard multiple positions. Green brings leadership and know-how to any roster. The Celtics do not need him taking shots or playing massive minutes. The 6’8 forward could settle in as a reserve who is ready whenever his name is called.

Boston needs more guys like Jeff Green rounding out their bench. He has a championship and offers production with his leadership. The Celtics want a bigger wing or two for depth, but can they convince Green to take a minimum contract to play in Beantown? Expect Brad Stevens and the front office to try.