Boston Celtics monitoring west cellar dweller's seldom-used wing
The Boston Celtics are monitoring Memphis Grizzlies wing John Konchar "from afar" according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto -- who reported the Cs among three teams that have made a conference finals in the past two years interested in the former undrafted Purdue Fort Wayne star.
"Reserve forward John Konchar is also a candidate to be dealt before the February trade deadline," Scotto prefaced before saying, "The Celtics, Warriors, and Lakers are among the teams who’ve kept tabs on Konchar’s situation from afar, HoopsHype has learned."
Lakers Daily's Jesse Cinquini said a Konchar pursuit was something that'd make sense on paper for the purple and gold in perhaps their last dance with LeBron James.
"The Lakers acquiring Konchar via trade prior to February’s trade deadline would make sense on paper, as the 27-year-old possesses skills that could help the Lakers," Cinquini wrote. "Maybe general manager Rob Pelinka can figure out a way to bring Konchar to the Lakers at some point during the next few months."
Boston Celtics' John Konchar pursuit may not get far based on other intel
Other intel Scotto put forward was seemingly at odds with the original report about Boston being a potential landing spot for Konchar; pointing to the buyout market being the team's primary means of adding a free agent.
In particular, Scotto mentioned a potential Blake Griffin reunion and a first-time signing of former free agent target T.J. Warren, who last played for the Phoenix Suns during the 2022-23 season.
"With a roster spot open, most executives believe the Boston Celtics will stand pat and wait until the buyout market to add another veteran for a championship run," Scotto prefaced before saying, "It’s worth noting Boston expressed interest in several veterans, including re-signing Blake Griffin and free agent forward TJ Warren last offseason."
Griffin's familiarity is an obvious plus, but Warren would likely have a bigger role, since Neemias Queta may be deserving of frontcourt minutes based on his big bench showing (seven points, 10 rebounds in 15 minutes) against the Atlanta Hawks on November 26.