Following the trade deadline, the Celtics should evaluate four buyout options.
The Boston Celtics were active ahead of the NBA trade deadline, executing multiple transactions before the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday. Despite these moves, the team still has the flexibility to make one final addition to their roster.
However, Boston faces limitations in acquiring players with a salary of $12.4 million or more through the buyout market, narrowing their options. Nonetheless, the Celtics have addressed weaknesses in their reserve unit with the recent additions of Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer. Here are four other players Boston could consider adding post-deadline:
1. Danuel House Jr. ($4.3 million)
In a pre-deadline deal between Philadelphia and Boston, the Celtics acquired Jaden Springer, and as a result, the 76ers released Danuel House Jr., creating an opportunity for the Celtics to secure a potentially valuable depth player.
House, at 30 years old, became available after being let go by Philadelphia, possibly to facilitate salary adjustments for the 76ers in exploring the buyout market. This situation allows the 6-foot-6 veteran to transition from one Eastern Conference contender to another.
Having played 34 games this season, including four starts with the Sixers, House maintained an average of 4.2 points on 44.8% shooting, bringing four years of playoff experience. Additionally, he boasts a career 35.9% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
2. Cedi Osman ($6.7 million)
Formerly with the San Antonio Spurs, Cedi Osman has proven to be a valuable and effective contributor coming off the bench, despite his team not being a contender.
Primarily recognized for his proficiency as a 3-point shooter, the 28-year-old has demonstrated accuracy beyond the arc, with a 37.3% success rate on 3.3 attempts per game this season. In 51 games played, Osman has maintained averages of 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds, with an average of 18.2 minutes in a reserve role.
Given the Boston Celtics’ reliance on outside shooting, Osman could serve as an ideal addition to bolster support for the starting lineup. Additionally, Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, has faced challenges relying on Sam Hauser to fulfill the bench shooter role consistently throughout the season.
3. Delon Wright ($8.1 million)
With the Celtics addressing their front-court backup needs, the addition of Delon Wright could provide valuable support to the bench, especially considering the team’s occasional scoring struggles.
At 33 years old, Wright offers veteran experience and has showcased his versatility by averaging 4.4 points on 39.7% shooting in 29 games played for the Washington Wizards. Despite limited playing time, he has also averaged 1.2 steals per game this season, making him a potential asset behind starters Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
4. Seth Curry ($4 million)
Although not regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Seth Curry is a reliable and serviceable player.
Acquired by the Charlotte Hornets in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, Curry is likely to request a buyout to seek a roster spot with a contender, potentially the Celtics. In his limited role with the Mavericks, the 33-year-old averaged 12.7 minutes off the bench in 36 games, contributing an average of 4.3 points. Despite the modest scoring output, Curry boasts a career 43% shooting accuracy from 3-point range, making him an appealing upgrade over Svi Mykhailiuk for the Celtics.
