The Celtics have one final roster spot still open as they come out of the All-Star break and into the final stretch run of the season. While the Celtics’ rotation — when fully healthy — is rock solid with their top rotation players, they’re still looking for some wing depth.
Boston traded for Mike Muscala at the deadline as it elected to shore up its front court depth by getting the former Thunder big man. Muscala’s fit in well and gives the C’s some flexibility and shooting, but most importantly is an insurance option if the Celtics need it going forward. Muscala isn’t expected to play heavy minutes in the playoffs but more so an option for the rest of the regular season.
Whoever the Celtics end up picking up for the 15th spot will be in a similar role as Muscala. The C’s won’t need him to play extended minutes in the playoffs, but more soak up backup minutes for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. It’s why Boston President Brad Stevens said it’s a balance between finding a guy who can play but doesn’t necessarily need to see the court.
But the Celtics are going to fill that 15th roster spot, according to co-owner Wyc Grousbeck. Some of the Celtics’ potential options have already been signed elsewhere, whether that’s guys like Danny Green (Cavaliers), Terrence Ross (Suns) and others. But there are at least a few notable names who the C’s could sign in the coming days or weeks.
“We’re looking at buyout candidates and free agents,” Grousbeck said. “I’d be very surprised if we went into the playoffs with an open roster spot, don’t think that’s going to happen. … All those things are in process, but no, we’re not saving roster spots for a rainy day. We just gotta find the right fit.”
Here’s a look at four potential buyout market options for the C’s in the coming days.
WILL BARTON
Barton was bought out by the Wizards officially Tuesday, making him a potential option for the Celtics. He had fallen out of the rotation in Washington as he looks to latch on with a contender going forward. Barton averaged 7.0 points on 38.0% 3-point shooting with the Wizards, and for an insurance option, could be one of the Celtics’ best options still left. But Barton falls into that spot where he could be looking for a bigger role with a playoff contender. It’s why a guy like Green signed with the Cavaliers as the veteran could crack the rotation compared to a strong Boston roster. But if Barton, 32, wants a shot at a ring, signing with the Celtics could be his best option, even if playing time won’t necessarily be there every night and in the playoffs.
STANLEY JOHNSON
The former top-10 pick was waived by the Spurs and he’s looking to still stick in the league. Johnson was productive in his limited time with the Spurs, playing in 30 games and averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Johnson won’t give too much offensive production, but he’s a solid defender. His length and athleticism are also a plus for a backup wing option. He won’t move the needle too much, but could be a solid insurance option for the Celtics.
JUAN TOSCANO-ANDERSON
No guarantee that he will be bought out by the Jazz after getting traded from the Lakers. But if he is available, Toscano-Anderson could be the type of guy who could eat up some backup minutes and fill a role. That’s what he did when he was the Warriors, winning a ring with Golden State last season. Toscano-Anderson only played in 30 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 2.7 points per game. But he wouldn’t be the worst option if he does hit the market.
JOHN WALL
Likely not an option considering the Celtics are set at guard as that’s one of their deepest positions. But Wall is looking for a new home as he won’t stay with the Rockets after getting traded from the Clippers. Wall averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 34 games in Los Angeles, but the fit wasn’t there as the Clippers elected to move on. But Wall wouldn’t make too much sense for the Celtics on the buyout market.
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