Keita Bates-Diop and Javonte Green could be a couple of relatively low-cost options for the Celtics in free agency, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.
Bates-Diop posted career highs in several categories with San Antonio in 2022/23, including points (9.7), assists (1.5), three-point percentage (39.4%), free throw percentage (79.3%), games played (67), starts (42) and minutes per game (21.7).
However, a league source tells Deveney that the Spurs might just re-sign Bates-Diop or possibly look to sign-and-trade the 27-year-old combo forward.
As for Green, he started his NBA career with the Celtics and “would welcome” a return to Boston, a source tells Deveney.
Although he’s undersized for a forward at 6’4″, Green is an explosive athlete and a tenacious defender. He played well for the Bulls the past few seasons, but unfortunately he struggled to return from knee surgery during ’22/23, which leaves his future up in the air.
Here’s more on the Celtics:
- Free agent center Udoka Azubuike, a former first-round pick who spent the past three seasons with the Jazz, will be suiting up for Boston’s summer league squad, a team source tells Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Azubuike dealt with major ankle injuries during his tenure with Utah, but Weiss believes he could be a candidate for a two-way deal if he can improve in a couple areas.
- Draft-and-stash prospect Yam Madar, an Israeli guard who has been playing overseas since he was a second-round pick in 2020, could be another option for a two-way contract, multiple league sources tell Weiss.
- The Celtics are still actively involved in trade talks to improve their roster, Weiss adds.
- A rival front office executive is skeptical Grant Williams will get more than the full mid-level exception in free agency, writes Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com. “There are definitely teams that like him, but I think no matter how it plays out and where he winds up, he’s probably going to come in for about mid-level exception money, around $12 million a year,” the executive said. “I don’t think he’s a cap-room offer — a guy you use room under the cap to sign. He’s more of an exception slot guy. I’m not sure you want to burn cap room on Grant Williams.” The Celtics recently issued Williams a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, but it will be tricky to keep him around if they want to avoid the second tax apron after trading for Kristaps Porzingis. Still, Williams recently said he was open to returning — assuming it works out financially for both sides.
Though I think Yam Madar has earned a two-way contract, would the Celtics consider a reunion with Isaiah Thomas? He played decently for Charlotte last season.
It seems like Brogdon will be dealt for CBA reasons and that would leave Boston with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard (ironically), unless Brad Stevens wants to promote J.D. Davison or finds a gem in the Summer League.
Is this a joke? Why do people bring up Thomas every year? He hasn’t played more than 40 games in a season since 2017.
No, it is not a joke. And with Mazullah’s roster rotations, Thomas probably wouldn’t play in 40 games. Just short spurts when needed.
We all celtics fans feel sad about what happened to IT. But his time is over. He should be making millions in China
They just traded Smart. F loyalty if your the Celtics. Brads new way. Offered brown two years ago but didn’t happen. Not Smart Brad
Javonte hustles but he also gets into foul trouble trying to guard players who outsize him. His last return from injury he seems to have lost a little leap too.
Celtics don’t have money to spend on depth. Green like the Celtics, and the Celtics like him. would be a good fit.
Did they offer Grant $14 mill last offseason? Or am I making that number up