BOSTON — The Celtics enter the 2024 offseason in a terrific spot overall. Brad Stevens has his top eight players under contract, a couple of which are on bargain contracts (Derrick White, Sam Hauser). However, there is a bit of vulnerability suddenly in the team’s center spot on the depth chart. Kristaps Porzingis underwent successful surgery this week but won’t suit up until at least December next year. His backup Al Horford is 38 years old and also doesn’t play back-to-back games.
“I think the way that impacts us is just making sure we have the right amount of bodies for the start of the season,” Stevens said Thursday of Porzingis’ surgery. “Obviously he’ll be back at some point soon into the season, and we’ll go from there. But our guys did a really good job of playing without him this year and figuring out the best way to navigate those times. There’s no question we’re better when he’s on the floor. And so, get him back, get him fully healthy, and get him ready to go.”
Boston has a couple of their own free agents centers (Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman) that the team has expressed interest in retaining, per sources. However, there is the possibility that Boston looks outside the organization to find a different kind of fit for one of those spots or Neemias Queta’s spot on the 15-man roster.
So what type of bigs could be available for Boston at a bargain basement price of the veteran’s minimum? Let’s take a closer look at some of the names expected to hit the free-agent market on Sunday.
BetMGM BET UP TO $1,500! BONUS BET REFUND AFTER A LOSS
STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21 years of age or older to wager. MA Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days from issuance. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. US Promotional Offers not available in New York.
Mo Bamba: The 26-year-old served as Joel Embiid’s primary backup last season. The 76ers could have some big free agency plans of their own with cap size so he’s unlikely to get much more from them than the minimum. Boston could pitch the opportunity to play bigger minutes due to their aging centers.
Jaxson Hayes (player option): It is unclear still if he will be available (deadline to opt in is Saturday). The 24-year-old is a good rim protector with very limited offensive range.
Mason Plumlee: The 33-year-old saw his role decline for the second straight year with the Clippers in a crowded front court. The Clippers can retain him for more than the minimum but he’s unlikely to get a big deal from them with their likely second apron status. Would be a nice bargain at the minimum for a strong rebounding and passing big.
Daniel Theis: The Celtics tried to reunite with Theis last year when he became a free agent but he opted to sign with the Clippers, who had more minutes available. The equation may change now though with Boston having plenty of minutes available for at least the first two months of the season and potentially beyond at center. Theis still has fans in the front office so this is a name to keep an eye on.
Andre Drummond: Another name that has been linked to Boston in past trade talks. It feels like Drummond has been around forever but he’s still only 30 years old. A more proven commodity than Neemias Queta at this point but he’ll have plenty of suitors for the minimum.
Alex Len: A high-turnover, limited offensive player but also a good rim protector and rebounder off the bench. He’s been Kings primary center backup for last couple of years.
Drew Eubanks: One of the more intriguing names on this list. He played a big role off the bench for the Suns last year but opted out of his deal there for the upcoming season. He could go back there for a raise but the Celtics should be knocking on his door if he’s looking for a fresh start.
Goga Bitadze: Played a surprisingly big role for the Magic last year, starting 33 games. Limited as a big body offensively but a terrific rebounder with some upside at age 24.
