Following an unexpectedly hectic NBA Trade Deadline, the Boston Celtics found themselves back where they began: with a single roster spot open. This was not a result of negligence. In order to maintain roster flexibility and in case they found the ideal player on the buyout market, they have kept the 15th spot open for the entire season.
Whether or not they absolutely must move forward is still up in the air. After returning from the All-Star break, they have played two games and won both over the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks, improving their record to 45-12, which is the best in the NBA. If they stayed put, it would make perfect sense, but that was our initial belief before they moved to add Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman.
The buyout market allows the Celtics to sign players who have been waived by other teams, even though they are no longer able to make trades. Although they could do so at any time, a bought-out player’s team must waive them by March 1st in order for them to be eligible for the playoffs. The Celtics wouldn’t make a move for a player who couldn’t help them in the postseason because they are competing for a championship.
There’s always a lot of talk about the buyout market because potential roster moves are something that basketball fans (and writers) adore talking about. Usually, it’s all for nothing because the players who are waived aren’t likely to have a significant impact. The crop this year appears especially bad, with few big names available. Several prominent names, such as Victor Oladipo, Joe Harris, Cory Joseph, and Killian Hayes, have yet to be claimed.
However, there may be more captivating role players in the future. For example, centre Robin Lopez is anticipated to be waived by the Sacramento Kings. The most intriguing report is that Otto Porter Jr. is reportedly being considered by the Utah Jazz for release in order to join a competing team.
Even though he was never a star, the former No. 3 pick has been a solid role player when healthy and is shooting 34.8% from three this season. Additionally, teams that are interested in winning championships would prefer to have him as a veteran presence as they approach the postseason.
If that seems a little lacklustre, that’s precisely why talk of buyouts usually consists of nothing more than noise and vitriol. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports observes that although it has emerged as the most talked-about topic in the post-trade deadline landscape, the majority of players on the market are “players other teams pay to go away.”
But it’s not unheard of for a castoff player to have a significant impact on a team. After being waived by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2012, Boris Diaw was acquired by the San Antonio Spurs. He played for the Spurs for a few more seasons, contributing to their 2014 championship run.
