revisiting this
as I said before the luxury tax cap is projected to be 123 mill this is going to largely dictate what the Cs do this offseason
If the Cs pick up ever player option except for Gibson's 1.7mill they have the following roster. (this also includes the $92,857 stretched to pay off Demetrius Jackson)
Hayward
Horford
Irving
Tatum
Morris
Brown
Yabu
Rozier
Semi
Nader
Theis
at a total salary of roughly $107,434,000 for 11 players
they may be best served not picking up Naders $1.37mill
at a total salary of roughly $106,064,000 for 10 players
bring Smart back at 9mill
at a total salary of roughly $116,434,000 for 11 players
sign #27 pick for 1.367 mill
at a total salary of roughly $117,801,000 for 12 players
sign Bird or Allen for .905 mill
at a total salary of roughly $118,706 for 13 players
If I did this out correctly that will leave the Cs with a little over 5mill to sign a Center. Either Baynes or his replacement. I am not sure how much the 2-way deals count against the cap but these may also be in jeopardy for next season.
Some options to gain flexibility could be
trading Rozier for a late lottery pick (as has been discussed) a theoretical trade for the 12th pick and a future 2nd (saves the Cs just under 1 mill)
a much less popular option could be trading Rozier for a future 1st and a cheap PG. Example to NY for Burke and a future 1st (save 1.26mill), to Suns for Ulis and future 1st (save 1.5mill),
moving Morris and his great value 5.3 mill per for a cheaper player and a future asset. Maybe for a Jerebko return and a future 2nd ( save .8mill) not a fan of this idea
moving Yabu for a future pick (save his 2.66 mill but also have to fill roster spot) not a fan of giving up on Yabu yet
Aside from moving Rozier before he is due a large pay the the rest of the above deal make little sense for the Cs.
If Rozier is moved for a pick in this draft the Cs would then be looking to use around 6mill, 7.5 if they move him for a future pick of the mid level exception to resign Baynes or another center. The market may actually be weak enough that Baynes returns (given the likely future match-ups with 76eres I hope this happens). Other players who may find a limited market are old friend A Johnson, Salah Mejri, Z Pachulia, J McGee, A Len (might get better offer), K O'quinn ( should get better offer).
If the Cs go with the Rozier for a late lottery pick trade and are then able to sign Baynes for 6milll this would be the 2018-19 Celtics
Starters
Irving
Brown
Tatum
Hayward
Horford
Bench
Smart
Morris
Baynes
Semi
Theis
Yabu
lottery pick
Bird
#27 pick
looking at this roster the glaring weakness is the PG depth. If the theoretical Rozier trade lands the Cs the 12th pick it is likely a stretch to draft a PG at this spot. The more likely targets would be a falling big Carter or Bamba, a big projected in that range Williams or Porter, or a BPA wing Zhaire Smith, Knox, or one of the Bridges if they fall. #27 might be a spot to find a PG. While players like Troy Brown (likely off the board) Okogie (my favorite no lottery player, or Alkins may be more likely DA picks some solid PGs should be available. First I will say that De'Anthony Melton is a perfect bridge between need and style fit but I question if he could really contribute next season. For guys who can contribute right away. S Ponds from St John is a great P&R point, Aaron Holiday is a lights out shooter, Jevon Carter, is a pit bull defender who may struggle to translate his offense to the NBADevonte' Graham is a great shooting well rounded player but already 23.
Projecting with Draft picks
Starters
Irving
Brown
Tatum
Hayward
Horford
Bench
Smart
Morris
Baynes
Semi
Theis
Yabu
Jontay Porter/Robert Williams (lotto pick)
Bird
Ponds/Holiday (#27)