The Celtic’s pursuit of financial flexibility took a significant turn on NBA trade deadline day, as the team made strategic moves to optimize their roster in light of their recent trades. Earlier in the week, Boston exchanged Anfernee Simons for veteran center Nikola Vucevic, aiming to bolster their interior presence. In a bid to further tighten their roster and free up salary cap space, the Celtics proceeded to offload several players who were not integral to their rotation.
In quick succession, Boston traded rarely utilized center Chris Boucher, a future second-round draft pick, and cash considerations to the Utah Jazz, who subsequently waived him. The Celtics also sent wing Josh Minott to the Brooklyn Nets and big man Xavier Tillman to the Charlotte Hornets, effectively eliminating names from the lower end of their roster. Despite showing some versatility early in the season, Minott, along with Boucher and Tillman, had logged a mere 31 minutes combined since Christmas.
The rationale behind these moves is primarily financial. The trade of Simons for Vucevic brought the Celtics below the NBA’s luxury tax apron, thus lifting several restrictions on trade and signing possibilities for teams in that category. The subsequent departures allowed Boston to shed even more salary, moving out of the tax entirely—indicative of a substantial financial overhaul from their previous season. Since June, they have reduced their payroll by over $350 million, which has not negatively impacted their competitive edge; the Celtics entered the deadline with impressive statistics, holding the best offensive rating in the league.
As of Thursday evening, the Celtics had yet to confirm the trades of Minott and Tillman, who were marked as out for the upcoming game against the Miami Heat due to personal reasons. With only three games left before the NBA All-Star break, the team will need to thoughtfully replenish its bench, especially since they are within $1 million of the luxury tax line.
To address one of their open roster spots, Boston converted rookie center Amari Williams’ two-way contract to a standard deal. The second-round draft pick from Kentucky has risen in visibility recently, serving as a third option at center behind Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Williams’ playing time may decrease with Vucevic joining, but his promotion came as no surprise given his performance.
Additionally, two-way wing Ron Harper Jr. emerges as another candidate for promotion following a standout performance against the Houston Rockets, where he recorded 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in his first NBA start. Harper’s G League performance has been impressive, averaging 25.4 points per game, further strengthening his candidacy for a permanent roster spot.
With freedom from apron restrictions, the Celtics can now explore opportunities in the buyout market, where they can seek enhancements to their backcourt with notable waived players like Cam Thomas, Mike Conley, and Lonzo Ball potentially available. However, given their new financial positioning, Boston is expected to approach veteran additions with caution to avoid re-entering the luxury tax situation.
This proactive strategy not only enhances the team’s financial health but also its competitiveness, positioning the Celtics for a successful push as they approach the latter half of the season.