Free agents to pursue?

[Roy H.]

I'm thoroughly enjoying watching the team play this year, but it's never too early to consider upgrades.  I suspect that any "big fish" will be acquired via trade, hopefully utilizing our trade exceptions.

But, here's a list of free agents:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/01/2022-nba-free-agents.html

Who should we target who is likely to take the Taxpayer MLE or a vet minimum contract?

[Cman]

I don't yet have thoughts on this (too early Roy!!!), but its interesting how many of the guards have ties to the Cs one way or another.

[JBcat]

I’d love to sign local kid Bruce Brown for extra wing depth.

A strong defender, and his offense seems to be coming along scoring in double digits 9 out his last 11 games. Still in his mid 20s. Not sure we can get him with the taxpayer MLE.

[PaxtonDarcy]

Id love for us to go after Forbes, Bryant, and Looney.

[slamtheking]

TP for the thread idea.  If we keep all the starters (including Al) and the primary bench guys (GWill, White, Theis, Pritchard) then I think the targets in free agency would likely be another wing or two (so we don't have to rely on Nesmith developing) and an athletic forward.

If that's the approach, then I think smart targets we have a shot at financially are Bruce Brown, Kyle Anderson, Thad Young, Serge Ibaka. 

However, if Al and/or Smart are moved in a trade for that 'third star' and/or they sour on Pritchard as the third PG, I could see the C's chasing Jalen Brunson and possibly Ricky Rubio as well as possibly taking a run at Jalen Smith.

I don't see them in a position to be able to sign away an RFA from another team. 

[timpiker]

I was thinking Rubio...and whoever can possibly replace Al (down the road, I hope)....

[Jiri Welsch]

I personally think adding a guy that can plug into the Horford role should be a priority this offseason. Horford isn't getting any younger, and shoring that spot up for the future could really lock in this team's potential long term.

I'm not sure if any of the free agents fit the bill, unfortunately. I know most of us crave a guy like John Collins. But assuming that's not possible, I'm not sure who else is out there?

[Silas]

I've always liked Otto Porter and while he wouldn't necessarily be a game changer, he would be a solid wing off the bench.  Currently he plays 21 min/game with GS under a one year $2.4M contract.  6'8" career .399% 3-pt shooter. 

[JBcat]

I personally think adding a guy that can plug into the Horford role should be a priority this offseason. Horford isn't getting any younger, and shoring that spot up for the future could really lock in this team's potential long term.

I'm not sure if any of the free agents fit the bill, unfortunately. I know most of us crave a guy like John Collins. But assuming that's not possible, I'm not sure who else is out there?

Wendell Carter JR would be a solid replacement for Al if he is gettable in a trade.

[Smartacus]

Agree with JBcat the name that stuck out most given our limited resources is Bruce Brown. Aside from Brown, I'd be interested in the solid vets and second draft guys.
 
Bruce Brown
Gary Payton II (30 years old? )
Malik Monk
Otto Porter
TJ Warren (If the medicals work out)
Robert Covington
Jalen Smith

[Roy H.]

I've always liked Otto Porter and while he wouldn't necessarily be a game changer, he would be a solid wing off the bench.  Currently he plays 21 min/game with GS under a one year $2.4M contract.  6'8" career .399% 3-pt shooter.

He's one of the guys I have high on my list.  I wanted him this past off-season, and I still think he'd be near ideal for us.

[Celtics2021]

I have no idea how hurt TJ Warren is, as he’s missed pretty much the last two seasons despite being “a few weeks away” since December, but he seems like someone worth giving a one-year MLE deal to if he can pass a physical.  He could earn minutes and look good playing in the rotation of a contender, rehabbing his value for the following summer when a lot more teams have cap space.  For the Celtics, he fills a role that could see 15-25 minutes a night depending how well he plays and how healthy he is.  If it works out and he returns to 90% of what he was a couple of seasons ago it’d be a big win.  If it doesn’t work out, it’s not a crippling loss, as the top 10 players in this year’s rotation are all under contract next year.

[nebist]

Otto Porter (for the reasons mentioned)
Delon Wright (solid backup PG - only needed if Pritchard gets exposed in the playoffs or if Pritchard or White are part of an offseason deal).
Thaddeus Young (Horford/Grant insurance - lacks the outside shooting but brings the defensive versatility and solid passing)
Javale McGee (Timelord backup/insurance - this would be if Theis was part of an offseason deal).

The amazing thing is we have our entire top 10 in our rotation back next year if we want. The only real need in that rotation currently is a wing shooter off the bench to spell and occasionally fill in for the Jays. Ideally, that role gets filled by Nesmith's development, but we certainly should be looking to provide some veteran competition for him (Otto Porter, etc.). Of course, one big offseason trade (with Al, etc.) would shake the rotation up considerably.

[Celtics2021]

I've always liked Otto Porter and while he wouldn't necessarily be a game changer, he would be a solid wing off the bench.  Currently he plays 21 min/game with GS under a one year $2.4M contract.  6'8" career .399% 3-pt shooter.

He's one of the guys I have high on my list.  I wanted him this past off-season, and I still think he'd be near ideal for us.

I wanted him too.  The rumor was he turned down more money to sign in Golden State.  I don't know if we were a team that pursued him, but my hunch is he stays with the Warriors, as both he and the team have had a good season.

[Birdman]

Doubt team will make a trade now with the way they been playing…get a couple of cheap FAs like Porter & Young and we be set to go..