The Celtics kept their cap hold on him (that's why they used Bird rights on Zeller, meaning he can't be traded until Jan. 15). While they technically would have to wait for him to finish his season, he could certainly be bought out before then. The same is true of Yab.
Depending how much rookie scale contracts increase in 2017 with a new CBA, it may make sense to try to bring either over this winter.
That's a very good point I hadn't considered, particularly with early rumblings that the CBA has some agreements already (or on their way to) having a big increase in 1st round scale contracts.
TP Salt, that is a great point. As you both have stated, it may be prudent to get Zizic into our system if we are truly saving that much money. I don't believe any numbers have been publically disclosed about what the increase would be correct?
Also Zizic looks like a quality effort rebounder. He has the size to not be pushed around, and as of right now he looks to have a nose for the ball. I am pretty confident that Horford's rebounding percentages will increase, but having someone like Zizic on the bench to bring in when we get killed on the boards might be a huge advantage.
It would be like having a not-chubby Sully who doesn't have footwork in the post, but is taller and wont be jacking up no business 3s.