Celtics Considered Co-Favorite for a Top Option on the Buyout Market

Celtics considered a front-runner to add three-time NBA champion.

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The Celtics utilized the trade deadline to address their top need, acquiring Mike Muscala, a veteran center who can help space the floor and pace starting big men Robert Williams and Al Horford through the remainder of the season.

Now, their attention turns to the buyout market. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, one potential fit in Boston, Terrence Ross, plans to sign with the Suns Saturday night. The opportunity to join Kevin Durant in the desert proved enticing enough for him to pivot from his intention of joining the Mavericks.

But Danny Green, arguably the top buyout candidate to help the Celtics in their quest for banner 18, reportedly might be taking his talents to Boston. Per Wojnarowski, the Celtics and Cavaliers are co-favorites to sign Green.

Green got rerouted from the Grizzlies to the Rockets at the trade deadline. He and Houston are finalizing a buyout of his expiring $10 million contract.

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The three-time NBA champion recently returned from an ACL injury, appearing in three games for the Grizzlies. While the sample size is small, he knocked down 37.5 percent of the 2.7 threes he hoisted, a reflection of his ability to provide a layer of depth as a 3&D wing.

Green's a career 39.9 percent three-point shooter on 4.8 attempts from beyond the arc. Between his two-way abilities and championship savvy, he's as impactful a player as one typically finds on the buyout market.

While the Celtics face competition from several suitors interested in Green, including the Suns and Lakers, a chance to compete for a championship and a $3.23 million disabled player exception the league granted them due to Danilo Gallinari's ACL tear might make the difference and help bring the former North Carolina Tar Heel to Boston.

Should Green sign elsewhere, here are some other potential options for the Celtics on the buyout market. 

Further Reading

Front Runner Emerges for Potential Celtics Buyout Acquisition

Mike Muscala on Celtics Debut: 'a Blessing, it was Fun'

Derrick White Discusses His Career Night and Matching a Celtics Franchise Record

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Hornets: Derrick White's Career Night Helps Boston Blow by Charlotte

Brad Stevens Discusses What Mike Muscala Brings to the Celtics

Celtics Reportedly 'Engaged' with Several Potential Buyout Candidates

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