According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Toronto Raptors are bracing for Sandro Mamukelashvili to reach the open market. NBA free agency begins on Jun. 30 at 6 PM ET. If the two sides are yet to come to a deal, the door is open for the Boston Celtics to swoop in.
Mamukelashvili would be a welcome addition to Boston's frontcourt. The Georgian forward mostly operated as a small-ball center for the franchise residing north of the border this season. In that role, he averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. He also knocked down 38.9 percent of his 3.7 three-point attempts. That production came in 21.9 minutes of floor time. An iron man this year, he appeared in 80 of 82 contests, including 13 starts.
If the Raptors are unable to reach an agreement with him before free agency, then the expectation is that the six-foot-nine power forward/center will draw multiple suitors. He is likely to command most of the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
What would Sandro Mamukelashvili do for the Celtics?
Adding the 27-year-old veteran into the mix would make Boston more dynamic at the four and five spots. They could play double-big lineups with a floor-spacing power forward. Like Luka Garza, he would also give Joe Mazzulla another three-point threat at center.
The Celtics need to find a partner to pair with Neemias Queta and give them a formidable tandem at the pivot. Options include Mitchell Robinson and a reunion with Robert Williams III.
There's also the possibility they acquire a player like Jalen Duren or Donovan Clingan in a Jaylen Brown trade. Either individual would be tough to pry from their respective clubs. The Detroit Pistons' All-NBA center is seemingly the easier one to attain. However, never underestimate a new owner wanting to make a splash upon arrival. Tom Dundon, whose PR has been, to put it kindly, less than stellar since taking over the Portland Trail Blazers, could force his team's hand.
While these options are higher-caliber players and more traditional centers than the undersized Mamukelashvili, he would still make Boston better. Signing a player new to his prime and coming off a breakout season is a sound investment. That's especially true at this projected price.
And while the five-year veteran doesn't protect the rim at the level the rest of this group does, at 240 pounds, he can hold his own down low. He also possesses some facilitating chops that would fit nicely in the Celtics' offense.
The more quality options, the better. So, Mamukelashvili making it to the open market would be a win for Boston. So would seeing him in a Celtics uniform next season.
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