The Celtics are enjoying their quietest stretch of the season in Boston with just two games over an 11 day stretch following an early exit from the NBA Cup. Let’s dive into some questions about trades, buyouts, Payton Pritchard and more in this week’s mailbag. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb
Did the Celtics quietly try to move Springer this past off season? How does the 2nd Tier limitations impact the buyout market options? — Matt Y
There were multiple reports back in October that the Celtics explored moving Springer. My guess is that they did not try to move him during the offseason itself but once Lonnie Walker had a strong showing during the preseason, they likely considered opening up a roster spot for him since he would be a cheaper option than Springer at the veteran’s minimum (and a more proven player).
Ultimately, Jake Fischer reported that the Celtics would not have been able to move Springer without attaching some draft currency and that’s not a place the Celtics were willing to go at that point of the calendar. That’s for very good reason too. The Celtics have very limited flexibility across their roster with Springer essentially being the only player making more than the veteran’s minimum that’s not a core part of the rotation. If the Celtics do need to make a meaningful addition due to an injury, etc. he’s the only salary chip they have. That makes waiting and seeing with him the smarter play in all likelihood when it comes to the trade deadline.
When it comes to buyout options, the Celtics are dealing with some big limitations along with other second apron teams. They can only offer the veteran’s minimum to free agents and are limited in terms of what players they can pursue on the buyout market based on their salaries. Second apron teams can only sign players that were making mid-level exception money ($12 million per year) or less when they were bought out.
That means a player like Ben Simmons who has been a popular name in the rumor mill this week as a potential buyout candidate would not be allowed to sign with Boston if he does become a free agent during this season. The Celtics could eventually find some help on the free agent market to fill their 15th roster spot or another opening if Springer is dealt. However, it will only be from a player that was making modest money this year.
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What is the realistic ceiling for Payton Pritchard? Can he be a full time starter in the future? Put another way- On how many teams would Pritchard start right now?
Every week it seems we get a new Payton Pritchard question and it’s easy to see why. The guy looks like the runaway winner for 6th Man of the Year just 25 games into the season and he’s arguably been the third or fourth best player on the Celtics roster so far this year, no small feat for the defending champions.
There’s no doubt a full-time starting role would be a legitimate possibility for him as soon as the next couple years in Boston, particularly if looming luxury tax penalties force the front office to trim some bigger salaries from the starting five. Pritchard is already playing starter-level minutes this year so there’s not much doubt he can handle the increased competition for the starting five.
As for what teams he’d start for around the league right now, I’d peg it conservatively at about 15 teams. Pritchard has his limitations with size (6-foot-1) but every team in the NBA needs more shooting and there are few guards in the NBA right now that provide the volume and accuracy that Pritchard can. He’s got the track record to back it up during his career (40 percent from 3) but now he’s showing he can sustain those type of numbers with a bigger workload.
