11 intriguing buyout options for the Celtics: Marvin Williams a name to watch

The Celtics stood pat at the trade deadline on Thursday afternoon, but that doesn’t mean they are done making moves to the roster. Danny Ainge confirmed to BSJ on Thursday that he will be active in what should be a busy buyout market in the coming days to consider ways to bolster the bench with some veteran experience. The Celtics will only have the veteran's minimum to offer free agents, but the opportunity exists within Boston's bench unit for another shooter/scorer at the back end of the bench rotation. Here’s a breakdown at some of the more noteworthy names that could be free agents in a matter of days. A key point to remember: The Celtics would have to cut a player (and eat some money potentially into next season) to sign any of these players.

The crown jewel who probably isn’t getting bought out as of now

Tristan Thompson, Cleveland: The Cavs' big man has been a foil in the postseason for years against Al Horford. His mobility, size and rebounding would make him a candidate to play crunch-time defensive minutes at the center spot in Boston against the Bucks, Sixers and other teams with big frontlines. The problem for Boston? Not only would they have tons of competition for Thompson from other contenders across the league (Lakers, Clippers, Rockets, etc.) but as of now, he is not getting a buyout according to a report from David Aldridge. That early report could be posturing from a Cavs team that just traded for Andre Drummond at the center spot and would want a lot of money back from Thompson to let him go. At the same time, Thompson is a lifelong Cav and the team could have interest bringing him back next season (although they have $28 million already committed to Drummond). If Thompson does manage to come free, the Celtics will have a chance since they can offer meaningful minutes and potential crunch time opportunities. However, they would have to be considered the underdog if Thompson wants the best chance at winning a ring.

Guys that will be worth clearing a roster spot for

Marvin Williams, Hornets: The veteran forward in Charlotte was a surprise player to not move at the deadline. He’s been coming off the bench all year long for a bad Hornets team and is the type of player (3-and-D, experienced) most teams would love to have on their bench. The problem for the Hornets was that he is overpaid ($15 million) and making the money work for contenders in a trade without disrupting the whole bench is tough to pull off. He’s a 36 percent career shooter from 3-point range and a versatile defender but there is no word yet out of Charlotte whether the team plans on letting him go. At age 33, he clearly isn’t part of the future there so it’s a matter of whether he wants a chance at winning now or keep getting more consistent playing time there. Would slot in nicely as a potential eighth/ninth-man in the C’s rotation as an upgrade on Semi Ojeleye offensively.

Guys that will be looked at but might not be worth clearing a roster spot for

Wayne Ellington, Knicks: The numbers aren’t pretty for the 32-year-old who has been hurt or stuck on the bench for a bad Knicks team for much of the regular season. Ellington is one year off of being a 37 percent sharpshooter from 3-point range while taking seven attempts per game. He is the definition of a 3-point specialist and while his defense has declined over the past two years, he has playoff experience and would be a nice weapon to have to spread the floor off the bench. The Knicks have a team option on his deal for next season ($8 million with a $1 million buyout) so they would be creating some dead money by cutting him loose. However, Ian Begley of SNY reports that it’s worth keeping an eye on his buyout situation. He’s still playing off the bench as of now in the Knicks' rotation but may have the itch for a chance at more meaningful minutes elsewhere.

Evan Turner, Timberwolves: The former Celtic’s season in Atlanta has not been pretty (career-low 37 percent shooting) and he’s been shipped off to Minnesota in a four-team blockbuster as salary filler. The Wolves are clearly focused on the future now after landing D’Angelo Russell so cutting Turner loose to save some money is probably on their to-do list. Creating a roster spot for Turner is not simple since he doesn’t add perimeter shooting and guys like Javonte Green might simply be better players right now. Turner knows the system though and has playoff experience, playing big minutes for the Blazers last year in their run to the Conference Finals. He’s probably not going to play for Boston much in the playoffs even if he is added but he’s not a bad guy to have at the end of the bench either if injuries hit.

Isaiah Thomas, Clippers: The shooting numbers are impressive but anyone who has watched Wizards games this year knows the defense has been tough to watch. Thomas is small and doesn’t move nearly as well as he used to anymore, leading to plenty of easy looks for the guys he guards. Can’t see Ainge cutting loose Carsen Edwards or another rookie to bring Thomas back, especially when he would just be sitting on the bench most nights. A reunion would make for a great story though. The hard truth is Thomas might be done in the NBA.

Dion Waiters, Grizzlies: The veteran guard was traded to Memphis in the Iguodala swap by Miami and will reportedly be bought out by the Grizzlies despite having two years left on his deal. It’s been a disastrous year for Waiters on the whole in Miami with a pair of suspensions and only three games played so far. However, he is only 28 and averaged 12.8 points per game last year for a solid Miami team while shooting 37 percent from 3-point range. Waiters would certainly be an upgrade on talent level at the end of the bench but fit is the bigger issue here. He is very shot-happy when he’s in the game and that might rock the boat within the hierarchy of the C’s offense. Ainge loves a reclamation project, so he’s someone to keep an eye on as someone who was the No. 4 overall pick in 2012.

Trey Burke, free agent: The point guard was a casualty of the Sixers trades for Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson as the Sixers otters to keep Raul Nets over him when a roster spot was needed. Burke is arguably a better offensive weapon (at least more dynamic than Wanamaker) but his defense is lacking. The C’s certainly wouldn’t cut Green or Wanamaker for him but he could be an alternative to Wanamaker when his shooting gets streaky. The guess here is the C’s likely aim higher for an upgrade than this if they plan on clearing a roster spot.

Reggie Jackson, Pistons: One of the worst contracts in the NBA over the last few years is coming to an end this year for Jackson. He’s been injured for much of the year and putting up empty numbers for years with horrific defense for a bad Pistons team. A superior offensive weapon to Wanamaker but his fit issues and his defense may give the C’s pause in bringing him in. He could be looking for more of an opportunity than the C’s want to give him if he hits the open market.

Tyler Johnson, Suns: The scrappy guard has been on the outskirts of the Phoenix rotation for the past couple of seasons now in the midst of a down year. He doesn’t provide much in the way of reliable outside shooting (28 percent from 3 this year) but he’s only 27 and had a reputation for being a bulldog on defense before injuries sidetracked him for the past couple seasons. The Suns are falling out of the playoff chase out West (6 GB) so they could try to save a million or two and cut him loose. Assuming his health looks good, he would be a nice depth piece at the end of the bench.

Probably not getting bought out but worth monitoring

Ian Mahinmi, Washington: He’s starting and the Wizards are somehow just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot. A solid rim protector when healthy, he would be a nice upgrade at center over Vincent Poirier from a depth perspective but I can’t see the Wizards cutting him loose when they still have a chance at sneaking into the postseason.

Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte: He’s splitting minutes with the Hornets at center and is only 27. Incredibly limited offensive player but a good rebounder and depth option as a rim protector if injuries hit in Boston’s frontcourt. The Hornets don’t have anyone impressive to play at center (Willy Hernangomez?) if they cut him loose though so he’s young enough where they might just keep him around for stability.

Courtney Lee, Dallas: Mavs are a playoff team and he’s useful depth in case of more injuries.

Other names to watch that wouldn't add much

John Henson
Brandon Knight
Yogi Ferrell