Buyout/Free Agent Thread, 2023-24

[Fierce1]

One thing about the Celtic defense that you can't overlook is the bigs are challenging opposing players at the 3pt line.

Even KP is now closing out on opposing shooters.

I don't know if Gallo still has that kind of mobility.

If the Cs are to sign a player from the buyout market, it should be a PG.

[JaMarco]

Stevens better be on the phone with Gallo's agent right now.

[jfs1000d]

Not disagreeing with you but this is the team that rolled with Nick Stauskas as 4th string PG.

Yeah I don’t want to hype it up as some pressing need. But it is a bit different for me. Stauskas was the 4th PG behind Smart/White/Pritchard, but only one of those guys was starting. Springer would be 4th PG now, except that one of the guys above him is also the starting SG. So just think about how you line up rotations. What if both White and Holiday were out? Now you’d need to play Pritchard and Springer for all 48 minutes at PG. Sure, you can have Tatum handle the ball more but seems less than ideal.

Whoever we sign for the 15th spot, if anyone, isn’t going to play except for emergency. And to me looking at the roster, the emergency were most unprepared for rotation wise would be the PG spot if two of Holiday/White/Pritchard are out. That’s really the only spot I look at and think we’d have any struggle to just fill in 48 minutes at a position with where another body could help.

I mean, what difference does it make if 2 of them are starting or 1 of them is starting? Smart/White/Pritchard is basically the same amount of PG depth as Jrue/White/Pritchard

And our 4th PG now is better.. Springer > Stauskus.

Also, Tatum and Brown (especially Tatum) are more than capable of running the point here and there. Hell, both of them (especially JT) have ran the point pretty frequently over the past couple years, even when they're on the floor with Pritchard...Pritchard in those situations will often play off ball at the 2 and just spot up for 3's..

Again, it doesn't matter too much. Brad said whoever gets the last roster spot won't play too much.

And I think our squad is pretty well set at each position right now. So I'm fine with either:
a) convert Queta
b) Sign a vet who will bring some leadership or at least some wisdom from a championship run he can pass on to our guys (Thaddeus Young, Ish Smith, OPJ, Danny Green)
c) a young upside project..someone age 22 or younger who has some upside for the future we can get in to the development pipeline

Doesn't matter that much but I'd probably go with option B. Give me some more veteran leadership in that locker room to keep our guys focused and give them some more knowledge on how to win. Give me either Thaddeus, Ish, OPJ or Danny..

I don't think we gain much by converting Queta. He can play 50 games on a 2-way and with Tillman here, likely won't come close to reaching that mark. And I think at this point we have enough young guys in the development pipeline (at least till we get to the draft).

You can’t play in playoffs if you are a two way.


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[Celts17Pride]

Stevens better be on the phone with Gallo's agent right now.

Gallo is probably going to end up in Phoenix where he can get more playing time in my opinion. Phoenix or the Lakers are my bets.

[Gant]

Options:

1) Sign a free agent. Don't covert Queta.
2) Sign a free agent. Cut Svi. Convert Queta.
3) Don't sign a free agent. Convert Queta.
4) Do nothing, which is very unlikely.

There are more technically possible options but it'll be one of the above. Whatever they do, they don't have to rush to convert Queta, as something unexpected could happen in the buyout world.

[Bill Lumbergh]

I'm of the opinion that Gallo can't guard anyone at this point and would be a liability. Never a good defender in the first place, after 2 ACLs and being 35, he's basically a fence post at this point. I'm sure he can still knock down threes when open, but he'd give up more on the other end than he gives you. Pass.

Since we already picked up Tillman, I'd guess that the most logical place to backfill would be maybe PG or wing. The available options aren't great. In both of those cases, I'd probably be looking for someone who gives you something different than PP or Sam. I'd be looking for more defense that is hopefully not a complete zero on offense. Pickins are slim. Maybe House or Wright (if he's even bought out). They'd be just deep bench depth anyway. Not sure House would be any better than Brissett, and though I doubt he'd play, Springer's defense could be as impactful as anything Wright gives you. Probably doesn't matter anyway.

I'd probably opt to just convert Queta now, and have one less thing to worry about in the offseason. Realistically, we're just talking about who will be our 4th big next year. Brad will have to choose between Queta and Luke. I realize Joe has a comfort level with Luke, but Queta has been impactful in his stints, and has greater upside, imo.

Anyway, that's how I'd play it. Just convert Queta and ensure he's on the squad next year. Al ain't getting any younger.

[Celts17Pride]

Options:

1) Sign a free agent. Don't covert Queta.
2) Sign a free agent. Cut Svi. Convert Queta.
3) Don't sign a free agent. Convert Queta.
4) Do nothing, which is very unlikely.

There are more technically possible options but it'll be one of the above. Whatever they do, they don't have to rush to convert Queta, as something unexpected could happen in the buyout world.

5. Sign two free agents, Cut Svi. Don't convert Queta.

[Hal14]

I think it's pretty clear that the position we could use depth at is wing. At the deadline we got rid of a guard/wing (banton) and a a wing/forward (Stevens), while adding a big (Tillman) and a guard (Springer).

Svi is unlikely to see the floor in the playoffs.

Which leaves Hauser and Brissett as our only wings off the bench in the playoffs. Hauser is at times a defensive liability. Brissett is at times an offensive liability.

Danuel House Jr is a wing who could potentially be passable on both ends of the floor - at least for spot minutes here or there..if we need to just put him in for short stretches in the playoffs and/or to eat some reg season mins, so we can rest the Jays a bit over the 2nd half of the season. And House Jr has much more playoff experience than Hauser and Brissett, he has more NBA experience in general and at age 30 (turns 31 during playoffs) gives us another guy who is 30+ (we only have 2 of them on the roster right now but most championship winning teams have more than that).

This article goes deeper into what House could provide:
https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/rival-nba-team-waive-ideal-buyout-candidate-for-phoenix-suns-to-pursue-01hpey92dzx9

House Jr. is perhaps best known for his sudden emergence with a Houston Rockets roster led by James Harden, and as a player who gave his all on the defensive end. But he also shot 41.6 percent from deep during one 39 game stretch with the Rockets, and knocked down a shade under 37 percent of his 3-pointers in four seasons there.

He has a lot more experience and has appeared in 29 playoff games for three teams.

The defensive rating he is posting this season (107.7), is outrageous, and is miles better than league average (114.8).

I made a case for Thad Young earlier today. But House plays a position we have more of a need for imo, and he's 5 years younger so probably has more gas left in the tank.

Lastly, DHJ is also a former Sixer. Which means he'll probably have a smooth transition to the Celtics, since the Celtics have 1 of his former teammates in Philly and 2 former Sixers coaches (Cassell and that player development coach guy).

Thad Young / Danuel House Jr would probably be my top 2 choices right now, followed by Gallo / Ish Smith.

[165bows]

I think it's pretty clear that the position we could use depth at is wing. At the deadline we got rid of a guard/wing (banton) and a a wing/forward (Stevens), while adding a big (Tillman) and a guard (Springer).

Svi is unlikely to see the floor in the playoffs.

Which leaves Hauser and Brissett as our only wings off the bench in the playoffs. Hauser is at times a defensive liability. Brissett is at times an offensive liability.

Danuel House Jr is a wing who could potentially be passable on both ends of the floor - at least for spot minutes here or there..if we need to just put him in for short stretches in the playoffs and/or to eat some reg season mins, so we can rest the Jays a bit over the 2nd half of the season. And House Jr has much more playoff experience than Hauser and Brissett, he has more NBA experience in general and at age 30 (turns 31 during playoffs) gives us another guy who is 30+ (we only have 2 of them on the roster right now but most championship winning teams have more than that).

This article goes deeper into what House could provide:
https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/rival-nba-team-waive-ideal-buyout-candidate-for-phoenix-suns-to-pursue-01hpey92dzx9

House Jr. is perhaps best known for his sudden emergence with a Houston Rockets roster led by James Harden, and as a player who gave his all on the defensive end. But he also shot 41.6 percent from deep during one 39 game stretch with the Rockets, and knocked down a shade under 37 percent of his 3-pointers in four seasons there.

He has a lot more experience and has appeared in 29 playoff games for three teams.

The defensive rating he is posting this season (107.7), is outrageous, and is miles better than league average (114.8).

I made a case for Thad Young earlier today. But House plays a position we have more of a need for imo, and he's 5 years younger so probably has more gas left in the tank.

Lastly, DHJ is also a former Sixer. Which means he'll probably have a smooth transition to the Celtics, since the Celtics have 1 of his former teammates in Philly and 2 former Sixers coaches (Cassell and that player development coach guy).

Idk if we can have House and Hauser on the same team. Might get too complicated.

[RickyDizzle]

Fair points but given the history of Porzingis, Horford and Tillman, I still would add big man depth. Springer can give you 5 minutes as a defensive wing. Remember, Queta will not be available for the playoffs.

If KP is hurt. We're kind of screwed. If both he and Al are hurt, we're definitely screwed. But if KP misses just a couple games, Al starts, Tatum plays 4 more and you have to give Tillman/Kornet some burn. If Al is out, you play Tatum more at the 4, ramp Tillman up a bit, and maybe play Kornet.

I think we're generally okay to cover an injury. If 2 or 3 guys are out, that's a different story, but no team is deep enough to lose 2 or 3 key guys at the same position and keep on chugging.

I'm not opposed to converting Queta anyway, just think Pritchard as the only bench guard, could be the position where we wish we had a better defensive option to try in the playoffs.

Agreed with most of that..but as for the bold part, that's what we got Springer for.

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Admittedly, I mostly know Springer from post-trade highlight video watching, but I think if those plays were representative of his normal performance, then he wouldnt be available to get from a rival for a single second round pick. I hope I am wrong, but my sense is those plays are more outliers than what we should expect from him. Regardless though, your point that he can be a guard defender off the bench (and maybe better than Corey Joseph) is a totally reasonable take and good point.

[Bill Lumbergh]

I think it's pretty clear that the position we could use depth at is wing. At the deadline we got rid of a guard/wing (banton) and a a wing/forward (Stevens), while adding a big (Tillman) and a guard (Springer).

Svi is unlikely to see the floor in the playoffs.

Which leaves Hauser and Brissett as our only wings off the bench in the playoffs. Hauser is at times a defensive liability. Brissett is at times an offensive liability.

Danuel House Jr is a wing who could potentially be passable on both ends of the floor - at least for spot minutes here or there..if we need to just put him in for short stretches in the playoffs and/or to eat some reg season mins, so we can rest the Jays a bit over the 2nd half of the season. And House Jr has much more playoff experience than Hauser and Brissett, he has more NBA experience in general and at age 30 (turns 31 during playoffs) gives us another guy who is 30+ (we only have 2 of them on the roster right now but most championship winning teams have more than that).

This article goes deeper into what House could provide:
https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/rival-nba-team-waive-ideal-buyout-candidate-for-phoenix-suns-to-pursue-01hpey92dzx9

House Jr. is perhaps best known for his sudden emergence with a Houston Rockets roster led by James Harden, and as a player who gave his all on the defensive end. But he also shot 41.6 percent from deep during one 39 game stretch with the Rockets, and knocked down a shade under 37 percent of his 3-pointers in four seasons there.

He has a lot more experience and has appeared in 29 playoff games for three teams.

The defensive rating he is posting this season (107.7), is outrageous, and is miles better than league average (114.8).

I made a case for Thad Young earlier today. But House plays a position we have more of a need for imo, and he's 5 years younger so probably has more gas left in the tank.

Lastly, DHJ is also a former Sixer. Which means he'll probably have a smooth transition to the Celtics, since the Celtics have 1 of his former teammates in Philly and 2 former Sixers coaches (Cassell and that player development coach guy).

Idk if we can have House and Hauser on the same team. Might get too complicated.

Yeah, from House's perspective, if choosing between PHX and Boston, he's either competing with Eric Gordon for minutes, or Hauser. I haven't bothered looking at other playoff rosters to see who he'd be competing with there. Seems like he'd go wherever he thinks he'll have a greater role. Just took a look at Milwaukee. There, he'd be competing with Connaughton and Crowder for backup minutes. That seems as likely as PHX or BOS, though don't know what his relationship with Doc is. Doc did play him almost 15 minutes a game last year.

It'll be interesting. Joe seems comfortable enough with Sam and PP. I still have some concerns about them in the playoffs on D. Seems like these buyout guys ought to have picked their teams within a couple of days now. Won't be long before we know.

[Bill Lumbergh]

I don't think Morey is completely forthcoming in his rationale for trading Springer. He says that he's not ready to contribute to a team competing now, while he is also keeping a couple of other developmental guys on his roster in Council and Terquavion Smith. Council is a nice prospect. Maybe Morey just likes him better, and if you really are competing now, it doesn't make much sense to have too many developmental guys on the roster. Danny used to do that, because he was so in love with his own draft picks, to the detriment of our bench, in my view.

[Memokerobi]

I don't think Morey is completely forthcoming in his rationale for trading Springer. He says that he's not ready to contribute to a team competing now, while he is also keeping a couple of other developmental guys on his roster in Council and Terquavion Smith. Council is a nice prospect. Maybe Morey just likes him better, and if you really are competing now, it doesn't make much sense to have too many developmental guys on the roster. Danny used to do that, because he was so in love with his own draft picks, to the detriment of our bench, in my view.

My guess is no one was giving up a pick for Council or Smith. Also Springer freed up more cap space for them

[Celts17Pride]

I don't think Morey is completely forthcoming in his rationale for trading Springer. He says that he's not ready to contribute to a team competing now, while he is also keeping a couple of other developmental guys on his roster in Council and Terquavion Smith. Council is a nice prospect. Maybe Morey just likes him better, and if you really are competing now, it doesn't make much sense to have too many developmental guys on the roster. Danny used to do that, because he was so in love with his own draft picks, to the detriment of our bench, in my view.

Morey can't say his real reason for trading Springer because everyone would be all over him. The real reason is because of next year's cap space and his ability to get two max players. Getting rid of Springer's $4.0 million for next year goes a long way.

[Bill Lumbergh]

I don't think Morey is completely forthcoming in his rationale for trading Springer. He says that he's not ready to contribute to a team competing now, while he is also keeping a couple of other developmental guys on his roster in Council and Terquavion Smith. Council is a nice prospect. Maybe Morey just likes him better, and if you really are competing now, it doesn't make much sense to have too many developmental guys on the roster. Danny used to do that, because he was so in love with his own draft picks, to the detriment of our bench, in my view.

Morey can't say his real reason for trading Springer because everyone would be all over him. The real reason is because of next year's cap space and his ability to get two max players. Getting rid of Springer's $4.0 million for next year goes a long way.

Yeah, it's all good. I don't really care what his reason was. I love watching Springer's defensive highlights. Dude's just a beast on defense. Totally worth a flyer on Brad's part, in my view.

[keevsnick1]

I don't think Morey is completely forthcoming in his rationale for trading Springer. He says that he's not ready to contribute to a team competing now, while he is also keeping a couple of other developmental guys on his roster in Council and Terquavion Smith. Council is a nice prospect. Maybe Morey just likes him better, and if you really are competing now, it doesn't make much sense to have too many developmental guys on the roster. Danny used to do that, because he was so in love with his own draft picks, to the detriment of our bench, in my view.

Morey can't say his real reason for trading Springer because everyone would be all over him. The real reason is because of next year's cap space and his ability to get two max players. Getting rid of Springer's $4.0 million for next year goes a long way.

Yeah, it's all good. I don't really care what his reason was. I love watching Springer's defensive highlights. Dude's just a beast on defense. Totally worth a flyer on Brad's part, in my view.

My guess is the reaosn was partially money, partially a player evaluation. Different GM's can look at a player and reach differnet conclusions about that player's value. Morey maybe thought a 2nd rounder going forward was more valuable, while Stevens thought Springer was more valuable. Time will tell.

[Dogen]

I think it's pretty clear that the position we could use depth at is wing. At the deadline we got rid of a guard/wing (banton) and a a wing/forward (Stevens), while adding a big (Tillman) and a guard (Springer).

Svi is unlikely to see the floor in the playoffs.

Which leaves Hauser and Brissett as our only wings off the bench in the playoffs. Hauser is at times a defensive liability. Brissett is at times an offensive liability.

Danuel House Jr is a wing who could potentially be passable on both ends of the floor - at least for spot minutes here or there..if we need to just put him in for short stretches in the playoffs and/or to eat some reg season mins, so we can rest the Jays a bit over the 2nd half of the season. And House Jr has much more playoff experience than Hauser and Brissett, he has more NBA experience in general and at age 30 (turns 31 during playoffs) gives us another guy who is 30+ (we only have 2 of them on the roster right now but most championship winning teams have more than that).

This article goes deeper into what House could provide:
https://valleyofthesuns.com/posts/rival-nba-team-waive-ideal-buyout-candidate-for-phoenix-suns-to-pursue-01hpey92dzx9

House Jr. is perhaps best known for his sudden emergence with a Houston Rockets roster led by James Harden, and as a player who gave his all on the defensive end. But he also shot 41.6 percent from deep during one 39 game stretch with the Rockets, and knocked down a shade under 37 percent of his 3-pointers in four seasons there.

He has a lot more experience and has appeared in 29 playoff games for three teams.

The defensive rating he is posting this season (107.7), is outrageous, and is miles better than league average (114.8).

I made a case for Thad Young earlier today. But House plays a position we have more of a need for imo, and he's 5 years younger so probably has more gas left in the tank.

Lastly, DHJ is also a former Sixer. Which means he'll probably have a smooth transition to the Celtics, since the Celtics have 1 of his former teammates in Philly and 2 former Sixers coaches (Cassell and that player development coach guy).

Thad Young / Danuel House Jr would probably be my top 2 choices right now, followed by Gallo / Ish Smith.

I keep thinking the same about House. He's passable, and that's actually pretty good for a buy out player. I also kind of like this narrative of collecting the 76er's defensive castaways. House and Springer already know each other and both have experience in the playoffs with Philly and have been rotation players at times.

House also has a ton of experience, has good size, and there are a few years where he really shot the 3 ball well, which makes me wonder if he'd do better int hat department in Boston.

So he's slowly up the charts in my book. I never paid much attention to his game, but maybe that's a good thing as we mainly need one more utility vet who will come in and be professional and do the little things needed. He can cover 2 positions so fits into that wing position and compliments the signing of Tillman, and to some degree Springer.

[Dogen]

I don't think Morey is completely forthcoming in his rationale for trading Springer. He says that he's not ready to contribute to a team competing now, while he is also keeping a couple of other developmental guys on his roster in Council and Terquavion Smith. Council is a nice prospect. Maybe Morey just likes him better, and if you really are competing now, it doesn't make much sense to have too many developmental guys on the roster. Danny used to do that, because he was so in love with his own draft picks, to the detriment of our bench, in my view.

Morey can't say his real reason for trading Springer because everyone would be all over him. The real reason is because of next year's cap space and his ability to get two max players. Getting rid of Springer's $4.0 million for next year goes a long way.

Yeah, it's all good. I don't really care what his reason was. I love watching Springer's defensive highlights. Dude's just a beast on defense. Totally worth a flyer on Brad's part, in my view.

I don't blame Morey for doing what he thinks best for his club next season. This one may be a wash for Philly of Embiid doesn't return soon enough.

I'm glad he gave us a young prospect, because for the Celtics, Springer's contract is a plus as if he doesn't work out we can include him in a trade in the summer.

Can't wait to see Springer in action. He's a dog. I hope he and Pritchard become quick buddies. Springer can handle the ball a bit so he can penetrate and kick out to Pritchard or Hauser. He's more of an on ball defender than those guys so can take on the opponents best backcourt player. What he doesn't need to worry about with Pritchard and Hauser out there with him is shooting threes. With a couple months left in the season Springer has time to work his way into a nice role as defensive dawg and a guy who will push the ball.

[Bill Lumbergh]

Can't wait to see Springer and Tillman. Feels like getting a new toy as a kid and not being able to play with it.

[RickyDizzle]

Options:

1) Sign a free agent. Don't covert Queta.
2) Sign a free agent. Cut Svi. Convert Queta.
3) Don't sign a free agent. Convert Queta.
4) Do nothing, which is very unlikely.

There are more technically possible options but it'll be one of the above. Whatever they do, they don't have to rush to convert Queta, as something unexpected could happen in the buyout world.

Haven't heard anyone discuss this idea, but are we sure JD isn't the most likely 2-way to get converted? He seems like he has now exhausted the usefulness of the G league. And with Tillman in the fold, I think there is more need for a guard than a big. I'm not sure JD is ready, I don't expect him to be a playoff contributor, but it seems like the C's will need to sign him soon or let some other team do it. He's arguably been the player in the G league this year.