Examining 11 potential buyout options for the Celtics

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone with Danny Ainge setting the table to make an addition to the Celtics roster after dealing away Jabari Bird to the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics have their prorated mid-level exception (roughly $4.7 million) to spend on a free agent they feel might fit the roster but their primary motivation may go beyond just talent. It’s highly possible the addition will be motivated by future trade possibilities since adding a player on a two-year deal would open the door for said player to be included for salary matching purposes in an Anthony Davis offer this summer.

Sources indicate to BostonSportsJournal.com that type of deal is more likely to be a priority for the Celtics in the coming weeks but the challenge will be for the team to find a type of player willing to accept that kind of an offer. Can Ainge find a player that boosts this team depth and is willing to give their own free agency next year for about $4.5 million or so? Here are a number of names that should be on the open market in the coming days and some thoughts on whether they could help Boston achieve those goals.

Unlikely additions unless they are willing to sacrifice playing time

Enes Kanter: The Celtics have already been linked to the big man, according to one report by ESPN but a look at the wording of said report is important. Ian Begley says opposing executives think the Celtics will target him but if Kanter wants to play, it’s hard to find him being a strong fit here, unless Aron Baynes is going to be out for a longer stretch than anticipated. I’d expect him to be looking for a way to build his value heading into free agency and this probably isn’t the best place for him to do that. However, if Celtics are commited to resting Horford more down the stretch, this is a possibility. Adding another rebounder couldn't hurt either, even though Kanter's defense is horrendous in the pick-and-roll.

Wayne Ellington: The Celtics have plenty of capable wings off the bench but adding another pure sharpshooter to the mold would be a boost for nights Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown or Terry Rozier are struggling. Lots of teams need more shooting though and plenty of them will be offering more minutes than Boston. Celtics can throw big money at Ellington but that’s probably not enough to get him to sign a two-year deal.

They won’t play much/at all but could take the two-year deal and money to help with an AD trade

Marcin Gortat: The Polish hammer has seen his minutes dwindle in Los Angeles all year long until the team finally decided to move on at the deadline by waiving him. He’s a lesser version of Baynes at age 34 without the 3-point shooting. Good rebounder, turnover prone and not as much mobility. The Celtics might be able to get him to sign for two years though at the mid-level, making him a possible trade chip in the AD deal this summer. For that reason, he ranks fairly high on this list assuming other suitors don’t want him.

Shelvin Mack: I feel like this is a serious contender to check all the boxes the Celtics are looking for. He can provide end of the bench depth at point guard and clearly would make for a fun reunion story with Brad Stevens. He’s not going to get big minutes anywhere he goes so playing a specialist role while getting overpaid with mid-level money (to be used as salary filler in potential AD trade) next year could be a win-win for everyone involved.

Michael Beasley: The ultimate scoring wildcard was traded by the Lakers on Thursday to the Clippers and has been waived already. He can still put up points in bunches, so it’s possible he could help the Celtics or some other contender in limited stints. However, Beasley could also be looking for one final payday at age 30 and the Celtics are in a position to deliver with a two-year deal. If they aren’t worried about his attitude in the locker room, the C’s could take the bait here and get a guy that helps them now and this summer.

Zach Randolph: He hasn’t played all season as the Kings have gone with the young kids. Sacramento traded him to Dallas, who will waive him. Probably not much in the tank at age 36 but he’s a post-up option for dire circumstances and could be looking for a payday.

Ben McLemore: He couldn’t get minutes on the Kings so he won’t get minutes in Boston. However, he will be a fringe minimum guy this offseason, so if the Celtics are just looking for a guy that wants the prorated mid-level, he’s a candidate.

Players still on bad teams but could be buyout candidates

Robin Lopez: Probably the most useful big man on this list, at least from a defensive standpoint. His mobility will make him a big liability in the postseason in certain matchups but he’s a solid midrange shooter and probably has more left in the tank than

DeWayne Dedmon: He was a rumored trade candidate at the deadline but looks like Hawks couldn’t get enough for him to move him. He will be highly sought after if he hits the open market but he may not push for that route, instead preferring regular minutes in Atlanta before looking for a new home in 2019. At age 29, he’s probably not in Atlanta’s long-term plans. It could go either way, but I’d be surprised if he lands in Boston even if he does come available. Not enough minutes to be had here.

Omri Casspi: He still is in Memphis for now but could be looking for a way out towards the end of a veteran career. If he wants to play, he’ll remain, but as a shooting wing specialist, the Celtics could welcome him aboard.

Jeremy Lin: Similar situation to Dedmon. Hawks are actually playing well of late with Lin running the show with the second unit. Unless he asks out, the team probably keeps him and uses him as a mentor to the young guys on that roster. If he does become free, a very long shot for Boston due to a minutes crunch in the Boston backcourt.

Prediction: Mack or Casspi