The Celtics made some tweaks to their roster last month at the trade deadline and also left themselves a little bit of flexibility. With the trades of Dalano Banton and Lamar Stevens, Boston managed to keep open a 15th roster spot to fill before the regular season. The team has remained patient with filling that spot with a buyout for the time being due to a healthy roster according to league sources as well as waiting to see what pool of players could become available.
That veteran market is now set after the March 1st deadline passed on Friday which is the playoff eligibility waiver deadline. For a player to be eligible to play in the postseason with a new team, they must have been waived by Friday. Based on that, the Celtics front office now has the full view of veterans available to them to consider for their final roster spot.
The team could go in a number of different directions with the opening, including promoting two-way player Neemias Queta or signing a younger player out of the G-League on a long-term deal. If they do opt for veteran experience though, here are the names they can choose from.
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Danny Green, G: The 36-year-old was released by the 76ers back in November after playing just two games the season. He has been doing some media in recent weeks but has more playoff experience than anyone on this list. While he can’t help much on the floor anymore, he might be able to add some perspective on the bench.
Joe Harris, F: He’s gone from one of the best shooters in the NBA a few years ago to release by the Pistons at the race deadline. Ankle injuries have plagued the forward all year long, limiting him to just 12 games.
Daniel House G/F: The 76ers traded him in a salary dump to the Pistons, who proceeded to cut him loose amid a flurry of moves at the trade deadline. The 30-year-old wing is known for being a 3-and-D weapon in pat yard but he’s struggling with his shot this year, shooting just 30 percent from 3-point range.
Cory Joseph, G: The 32-year-old point guard was cut loose by the Warriors at the trade deadline, getting moved to the Pacers to save luxury tax penalty money. Joseph has been a useful reserve for much of his career, but he really struggled with his shot in Golden State, hitting just 35 percent of his attempts. He did win a ring with the Spurs back in 2014 but his best playing days are clearly behind him.
Furkan Korkmaz, G: It feels like half of this list is former 76ers! He’s another wing shooter who has slowly faded out of Philadelphia’s plans in recent years with his weaknesses outweighing his strengths. His age (26) makes him a little more intriguing than some other veteran on this list but not someone who stands out from the pack.
Robin Lopez, C: Do the Celtics want some intel on their chief competition in the East? That would probably be the only reason to bring the center in, although it feels unlikely he would betray his brother like that.
Patty Mills, G: The 35-year-old can still shoot the ball but his size (6-foot-2) have turned into a bigger defensive obstacle for him to manage as he’s aged. Would be decent insurance in case of a Payton Prichard injury but would be just a bench cheerleader at this stage of his career.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, F: The Kings cut him loose back in January ahead of the guaranteed deadline. His lack of a reliable jumpshot at his size (6-foot-6) has made it tough for him to stick. Won a ring with the Warriors back in 2022.
