Inside The Celtics

Celtics Making a Run at Center Thomas Bryant

Thomas Bryant fits what the Celtics are looking for in a backup center.

Bobby Krivitsky

Al Sermeno-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics know they need to upgrade their depth at the center position and find someone who can step into a starting role in the absence of Robert Williams and Al Horford, who they must pace through the regular season and what they hope is another lengthy playoff run.

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, as the Celtics look to improve at the pivot, they're targeting veteran center, Thomas Bryant. Haynes also reports the Lakers are pursuing Bryant. For those curious, he is not a Klutch client.

Bryant, who began his NBA career with the purple and gold, grew his game in the nation's capital, taking over the starting center role. In 2019-20, he averaged 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He also shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc on two three-point attempts per game.

Ten games into the next season, he suffered a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. But in 27 games in the 2021-22 campaign, Bryant, who turns 25 at the end of July, produced 7.4 points, four rebounds, and nearly a block while logging 16.3 minutes per contest.

Given his age and ability, there's reason to believe Bryant's play will more closely resemble his pre-injury form next season.

If Boston acquires him, it will most likely attempt to do so with the taxpayer mid-level exception, which comes with a starting salary of $6.5 million. The taxpayer MLE can extend for a maximum length of three years.

Further Reading

Should the Celtics Trade Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant?

Potential Celtics Targets with the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception

Exploring Who the Celtics Might Pursue with their $17.1 Million Trade Exception

As Celtics Strive for Banner 18, Brad Stevens Seeks Players Who Will Build Off Foundation Laid Last Year

Jayson Tatum Doesn't Believe He'll Need Offseason Shoulder Surgery

Celtics Rightfully Hold Their Heads High but Know There's Much Work Needed in Pursuit of Banner 18

Ime Udoka Shares His Message to the Celtics After Finals Run Ends in Defeat

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Reflect on Personal and Team Growth Through Celtics' Playoff Run

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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