Celtics Reportedly Show Interest in Signing Free-Agent Forward

While Blake Griffin's return seems less likely than not, there are intriguing options for the Celtics to fill their 15th roster spot.

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The Celtics met with and worked out a trio of free-agent forwards in late August. They also hosted a former NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner.

But a day after September's arrival, Boston received a commitment from an option higher up its wish list, sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk. The C's made him a contract offer earlier in the summer, and his acceptance of that deal placed the franchise in compliance with the requirement to have a minimum of 14 players occupying full-time roster spots.

And while it seems more likely than not that Blake Griffin will play elsewhere or retire, the Celtics are $2.2 million below the second apron, per Spotrac.

As they weigh their options for whether to fill their final full-time roster spot and or last two-way vacancy and how they might do so, their interest in free-agent forward Lamar Stevens continues to come up, this time, courtesy of Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The six-foot-six forward is one of the three individuals Boston met with and worked out late last month.

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The three-year veteran, who has spent his entire NBA career with the Cavaliers, started 25 of 62 games he played last season. The Philadelphia native produced 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per contest.

Stevens also got the Celtics' attention when he registered eight points, eight rebounds, six on the offensive glass, and generated a plus-minus rating of plus-18 in a home win against the C's last season.

The 26-year-old is a career 28.1 percent three-point shooter on 1.1 attempts from beyond the arc. While his lack of long-range proficiency makes him a questionable fit in Joe Mazzulla's offense, his defensive capabilities and the grit and energy he'd provide make him an intriguing option for Boston's 15th roster spot.

According to Scotto, the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Heat have also expressed interest in Stevens' services.

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