Buyout candidates C's could target after trade deadline
The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Boston Celtics were among the active teams on Thursday. They may be even more active on the buyout market.After trading away Daniel Theis, Javonte Green, and Jeff Teague, the C's left room for a difference-maker who could hit the free-agent market in the coming days. Here are a few players the Celtics could have their eye on if and when their contracts are bought out.
Andre Drummond-to-Celtics rumors have become an annual tradition. This year is no different as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the C's are a "team to watch" in the Drummond buyout market.
Drummond has enjoyed a productive season in Cleveland. Through 25 games, the 27-year-old has averaged 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks. The game is moving away from traditional bigs like Drummond, but there's no doubt the UConn product could make an impact for a team in need of size during the second half of the season.
UPDATE (March 28): Drummond intends to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent confirmed Sunday.
Aldridge is set to have his contract bought out by the Spurs after six seasons in San Antonio. The Celtics reportedly are among the "leading suitors" for the veteran big man.
The 35-year-old's best days are well behind him, but he can still make a difference with his mid-range shooting ability and solid defense. In 21 games this season, Aldridge is averaging 13.7 and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor.
UPDATE (March 27): Aldridge is signing with the Brooklyn Nets.
Porter is widely considered an attractive buyout candidate if the Orlando Magic opt to not keep him for the rest of the season. As of now, it looks like the 27-year-old might not hit the buyout market after all.
If he does, the Celtics are expected to be one of the teams interested in his services. Porter has been plagued by injuries the last couple of seasons but is a solid rotational player when healthy. He'd immediately upgrade the C's second unit with his defensive versatility and shooting ability.
Parker is expected to be released by the Kings after two unproductive seasons in Sacramento (only nine games after being traded by Atlanta last year). The 26-year-old has dealt with injuries throughout his entire NBA career.
If healthy, Parker can provide some scoring for the second unit. That's just a big "if."
Could an old friend make a return to Boston? Avery Bradley was traded by the Heat to the Rockets before Thursday's deadline, but he's an interesting option if Houston decides to buy out his contract.
Bradley opted out of last year's NBA restart and has played in only 10 games this season with Miami due to a calf injury. When healthy, Bradley brings stellar defense off the bench and is a solid shooter as well, though he isn't the same player he was back in the day with the Celtics.
